-^■)>^> 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


A 


'i°    MS) 


'V., 


.•c'/ 


y. 


'^ 


y^ 


^ 


«/^ 


1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


»«||||M    lli 


==      -  III 


3,2 


u. 


|3.<: 


2.2 


2.0 


1.8 


!M-  11^ 


Wa 


/ 


'cf^l 


c^ 


c^l 


'm 


'fy 


"-4 


Photographic 

Sciences 
CorpR^ration 


^<^ 


■^^ 


23  WEST  MAIN  STRFET 

WEBSTER,  K.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


kcP 


L<^ 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductior s  historiquas 


^ 


.^. 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The  institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  .ivailable  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographicaily  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


I      1    Coloured  covers/ 

I )^    Couverture  de  couleur 


I      I    Covers  damaged/ 


□ 


D 


n 


Couverture  endomrnagee 


Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurde  et/ou  pelliculde 


I       I    Cover  title  missing/ 


Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 


r      I    Coloured  maps/ 


Cartes  gdographiques  en  couleur 


n    Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 

I      I    Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 


Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 

Be  und  with  other  materia!/ 
P  ilie  avec  d'autres  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

Ls  reliure  serree  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  intdrieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  tne  text.  Whenever  possible,  thasa 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peui  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajoutdes 
lors  d'unfe  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  6tait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  6t6  film^es. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  suppl^mentaires: 


L'lnstitut  a  microfilm^  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  6t6  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qci  sont  peut-dtre  iin-qsjes  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuveiit  modifier 
une  imago  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  ni6thode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiqu^s  ci-dessous. 


I      I    Coloured  pages/ 


Pages  de  couleur 

Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagdes 

Pages  restored  and/oi 

Pages  restaur^es  et/ou  pellicul^es 

Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxei 
Pages  d6color6es,  tachet^es  ou  piquees 


r~7l    Pages  damaged/ 

I      I    Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 

I      I    Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 


n    Pages  detached/ 
Pages  detach^es 

0Showthrough/ 
Transparence 

□    Quality  of  print  varir 
Quality  in^gale  de  I' 


D 


ries/ 
impression 


r      I    Includes  supplementary  material/ 


Comprend  du  materiel  supplementaire 

idition  available/ 
Edition  disponible 


□    Only  edition  available/ 
Seule 


Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  boen  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d  errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  6t6  film^es  d  nouveau  de  facon  i 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  beluw/ 

Ce  document  est  film6  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqu^  ci-dessous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


r 


26X 


30X 


J 


12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


The  copy  fitmad  here  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 

Library  of  the  Public 
Archives  of  Canada 

Ths  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
of  the  original  copy  and  in  keeping  with  the 
filming  contract  specificetions. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  mic»  ifiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  -^  (meaning  'CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 

Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  uppet  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  dia;^ra  ns  illustrate  the 
method: 


L'exemplaire  film6  fut  reproduit  grdce  £•  la 
g6n6rosit6  de: 

La  bibliothdque  des  Archives 
publiques  du  Canada 

Les  images  suivantes  ont  6x6  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  nattetd  de  l'exemplaire  film6,  et  ein 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
fiimage. 

Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprim^e  sont  filmds  en  commenpant 
par  le  premier  plat  s'i  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  selcn  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  film6s  en  commenpant  par  la 
premidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impres^ion  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbole  — »-  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN". 

Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  Stre 
film^s  d  des  taux  ds  reduction  diffdrents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtro 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clich6,  il  est  filmd  d  partir 
de  Tangle  sup6rieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  ndcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
iilustrent  la  mdthode. 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

■• 


HE  I  S  T  O  le.  ^X" 


•'^  _v*. 


OF   THE 


lattle  of  lake 


^        -.         lir.  ■ 


(September  lO,  1813,) 


AND 


REMINISCENCES 


OF    THE 


Flagship   Lawrence/' 


r 


BY 


O-A-OPT.  "W.  "W".  IDoBBiisrs. 


,     .'-  >". 


ERIE,    PA.: 

AsHBY  &  Vincent,  Printers,  Stationers  and  Binders. 

1876. 


^Fimf^^^m^m 


.^  ,„ . ,  'Wmm^^^^ 


ir 


^  (M/O*^  U^f> 


(^./f^/\ 


H  I S  T  O  K;  "52" 


OF  THE 


Battle  of  Lake  Erie, 


(September  lO,  1813,) 


AND 


REMINISCENCES 


OF    THE 


Flagship  "Lawrence." 


BY 


O^i^T.  "W.  "W.  IDoBBii?rs. 


ERIE,    PA.: 

AsHBV  &  Vincent,  Printers,  Stationers  and  Binders. 

1876. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  .876  by 

X.    J.    VI  ERS, 
In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of   Congress  at  Washington. 


ASHBY  &  VINCENT, 
Printers,  Biuders  aud  Stationers, 

SBIK,  PA. 


PREFACE. 


■■•♦♦- 


by 


n. 


N  offering  this  pamphlet  to  the  public,  it  may  be  deemed 
^  necessary  to  offer  some  apology.    There  have  been  many 

accounts  of  Perry's  Victory,  Sept.  10th,  1813,  published. 
Yet  in  consequence  of  the  unfortunate  feud  existing  between 
Perry  and  Elliott  and  their  friends,  the  accounts  partook  some- 
what of  an  ex  parte  character.  This  is  not  a  correct  way  to 
hand  down  passing  events  to  posterity.  In  writing  history, 
facts  should  be  given  as  nearly  as  possible,  not  fiction. 

My  father.  Sailing  Master  Daniel  Dobbins,  was  a  pioneer  in 
the  construction  of  the  squadron,  and  served  actively  upon  the 
upper  lakes  during  the  war.  From  conversations  during  his 
lifetime,  as  also  memoranda  and  other  papers  left  by  him— in 
connection  with  the  accounts  given  by  McKenzie,  Cooper  and 
Lossing,  I  have  compiled  this  little  book. 

I  hope  the  reader  will  excuse  the  commonplace  style  of  com- 
position, as  it  is  the  effort  of  an  illiterate  sailor. 

W.  W.  DOBBINS. 


I 


'% 

mer 

of  n 

trea 

,  Unil 

;  lutic 

:fron 

milij 

Nav 

the 

regu 


HIP.TORY    OF   THE 

Battle  of  Lake  Erie, 


AND  REMINISCENCES  OF  TEE 


Flagship     "Lawrence. 


fy 


CHAPTER    I. 


T  THE  time  war  was  declared  with  Great  Britain  in 
■1812,  the  Canadian  frontior  was  in  advance  of  us  in  com- 
merce and  agriculture.  A  goodly  portion  of  our  supplies 
of  merchandise,  particularly  groceries,  came  to  us  from  Mon- 
^treal.  In  regard  to  agriculture,  the  tory  emigration  from  the 
United  States  at  the  commencement  of,  and  during  the  Revo- 
lution, had  done  good  work  in  this  line,  assisted  by  emigration 
from  the  old  country,  and  the  Canadian  French  Then  their 
military  posts  were  well  kept  up,  and  having  something  of  a 
Navy  in  the  way  of  several  heavily  armed  vessels,  classed  by 
|he  British  Government  as  a  ''Provincial  Navy,"  and  not 
Jegular.      Thesa   vessels    also  transported    passengers    and 


6 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF   LAKE    ERIE. 


merchandise.  In  another  point  of  view,  they  were  well  pre- 
pared, viz  :  they  were  on  the  best  of  terms  wi^h  the  numerous 
tribes  of  Indians,  net  only  in  Canada,  but  many  on  this  side  of 
the  line ;  as  the  British  Government  pursued  a  course  calcu- 
lated to  attach  the  Indians  to  their  interests.  Their  treaties 
with  their  red  brethern  were  always  strictly  kept,  and  no  Indian 
agent  was  allowed  to  defraud  them ;  consequently  their  sup- 
plies were  of  the  best.  For  one  hundred  years  they  have  had 
little  or  no  trouble  with  their  Indians,  although  the  British 
possessions  are  full  of  them.  There  the  trader  was  safe  at  his 
post  in  the  wilderness,  and  the  Poman  Catholic  Priest  on  his 
mission  through  their  midst.  I  would  say  here,  how  different 
has  been  the  course  and  results  with  us  since  we  have  been  a 
Government.  The  answer  might  be  given  thus  : — badly  kept 
treaties,  corrupt  Indian  agents,  miserable  supplies,  and  a  vacil- 
latiTig  policy.  Thus,  the  conseqi'cnce  is,  bloody  Indian  wars, 
at  a  cost  of  thousands  of  lives  and  millions  of  money ;  and, 
from  the  present  out-look,  no  likelihood  of  getting  better. 

On  the  American  side  of  the  line,  say  from  Black  Ptock  on 
the  Niagara  River,  to  Sauit  St.  Mary's  River,  the  outlet  of  Lake 
Superior,  things  were  in  a  poor  condition  to  go  to  war  with  our 
neighbor.  A  sparsely  settled  country,  with  all  the  wants  and 
deprivations  incident  thereto,  full  of  wandering  tribes  of  Indians, 
the  object  of  whom  was,  with  few  exceptions,  to  watch  the 
chances,  and  were  ready  the  moment  war  commenced,  to 
plunder  and  massacre.  To  show  how  deficient  we  were  in 
the  way  of  postal  communication,  the  first  news  of  the  decla- 
ration of  war  along  t>.e  frontier  west  of  Black  Rock,  N.  Y., 
was  through  Canadian  dispatches  to  their  several  posts.     When 


f'il 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


' 


Mackinaw  was  taken,  the  first  notice  of  the  declaration  of  war 
was  a  heavy  force  of  British  and  Indians  landing  upon  the 
eastern  and  uninhabited  portion  of  the  island  in  the  night,  and 
capturing  the  post  without  the  firing  of  a  gun. 

But  I  have  digressed  from  my  proposed  account  of  Perry's 
Victory,  and  will  now  begin  with  a  short  account  of  the  early 
work  of  constructing  and  fitting  out  the  squadron.  In  giving 
this  matter,  it  is,  in  a  measure,  necessary  to  relate  some  of  the 
incidents ;  and  as  Captain  Daniel  Dobbins,  of  Erie,  was  a 
pioneer  in  the  construction  of  most  of  tho  vessels,  it  is  well  to 
give  his  eaWy  connection  therewith. 

In  July,  1812,  Captain  Dobbins  v/as  at  Mackinaw  in  com- 
mand of  a  merchant  vessel  named  the  Salina,  belonging  to 
himself  and  a  merchant  of  Erie,  named  R.  S.  Reed,  and  (who, 
together  with  a  relative  named  W.  W.  Reed,  were  on  board 
the  vessel)  was  taken  at  the  surrender  of  that  post.  His  vessel, 
and  one  other  of  the  captured,  were  made  cartels  to  convey 
the  prisoners  and  non-combatants  to  Cleveland,  Ohio.  Upon 
their  arrival  at  Detroit,  they  were  taken  possession  of  by 
General  Hull,  and  again  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  on 
the  surrender  of  that  important  post.  Captain  Dobbins  now 
obtained  a  pass  for  himself  and  the  two  Reeds  through  the 
influence  of  Colonel  Nichols,  of  his  Majesty's  service,  (an  old 
acquaintance  previous  to  the  war)  and  accompanied  Colonel 
Lewis  Cass  and  Captain  Saunders,  who  were  in  charge  of 
paroled  prisoners  surrendered  at  Detroit  and  at  Van  Horn's 
defeat,  including  the  wounded — to  be  transported  across  the 
head  of  the  lakes  in  open  boats,  to  Cleveland.  Passing  from 
island  to  island,  they  arrived  safely  at  Cleveland  on  the  third 


8 


HISTORY    OF   THE   BATTLE   OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


day,  after  a  perilous  voyage.  Here,  Cass  and  Saunders  were 
in  honor  bound  to  destroy  the  boats,  and  Capt.  D.  navigated  a 
small  sloop  bound  down  the  lake.  After  alarming  the  inhab- 
itants along  the  coast  at  the  sight  of  a  vessel,  be  she  ever  so 
small,  after  they  had  heard  of  Hull's  surrender,  he  arrived 
safely  at  Erie.  After  remaining  a  few  days  with  his  family,  he 
was  sent  with  dispatches  to  Washington  City  by  General  David 
Mead,  who  was  then  in  command  of  that  post,  and  gave  the 
first  authentic  information  of  the  surrender  of  Mackinaw  and 
Detroit  at  the  seat  of  Government,  having  passed  Colonel  Cass, 
who  was  the  bearer  of  dispatches  from  General  Hull,  sick  by 
the  way.  Immediately  upon  his  arrival  a  Cabinet  meeting  was 
held,  to  whom  he  gave  a  full  account  of  matters,  including  the 
situation  of  the  frontier,  and  the  most  suitable  point  for  a  naval 
depot  upon  the  upper  lakes.  He  recommended  Erie,  which 
was  adopted.  He  was  then  solicited  to  accept  a  sailing  master's 
position  in  the  navy,  which  he  accepted,  and  was  at  once 
ordered  to  Erie  with  instructions  to  immediately  commence 
the  construction  of  gun  boats,  which  work  he  speedi'y  began 
late  in  October  following.  Upon  his  arrival  at  Erie,  was  or- 
dered to  report  to  Commodore  Chauncey  at  Sackett's  Harbor, 
or  to  the  commanding  officer  at  Black  Rock,  for  further  in- 
structions ;  which  order  he  obeyed  and  received  the  following 
reply : 

"  Black  Rock,  Oct.  2d,  1812. 

"  Sir  ; — Your  letter  of  the  Ibih  ultimo,  directed  to  Commo- 
dore Chauncey  or  the  commanding  officer  on  Lake  Erie,  I  have 
received,  together  with  its  enclosed — a  copy  of  your  instructions 
from  the  Honorable  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  each  of  which, 


'I 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF   LAKE    ERIE. 


9 


I  M> 


^1 


' 


together  with  a  copy  of  this  letter,  I  have  enclosed  to  him  for 
his  consideration. 

''  It  appears  to  me  utter 'y  impossible  to  build  gun  boats  at 
Presqu  'ile.  There  is  not  a  sufficient  depth  of  water  on  the 
bar  to  get  them  into  the  !ake.  Should  there  be  \vater,  the 
place  is  at  all  times  open  to  the  attacks  of  the  enemy,  and  in 
all  probability  when  ready  for  action,  ultimately  will  fall  into 
the  hands  of  the  enemy,  and  be  a  great  annoyance  to  our 
forces  Duilding  and  repairing  at  this  place.  From  a  slight  ac- 
quaintance 1  have  with  our  side  of  the  lake,  and  with  what 
information  I  have  obtained  from  persons  who  have  long  navi- 
gated it,  I  am  under  the  impression  Lake  Erie  has  not  a  single 
harbor  calculated  to  fit  out  a  naval  expedition ;  and  the  only 
one  convenient,  I  am  at  present  at,  which  is  in  between  Squaw 
Island  and  the  Main,  immediately  in  the  mouth  of  Niagara 
River.  I  have  no  further  communication  to  make  upon  the 
subject.  Probably  in  a  few  days  I  shall  be  in  possession  of 
Commodore  Ghauncey's  impressions,  when  you  shall  again 
hear  from  me. 

"  With  esteem,  yours,  &c., 

"J.  D.  Elliott,  U.  S.  N. 
''^Sailing  Ilaster  Daniel  Dobbins.'''' 

Mr.  Dobbins  (that  being  the  modest  title  applied  to  sailing 
master)  at  once  replied  as  follows,  viz : 

"Erie,  Oct.  11th,  1812. 

"  Dear  Sir  : — Yours  of  the  second  inst.  is  received.  In 
regard  to  the  idea  entertained  by  you,  that  this  place  is  not  a 
suitable  one  to  build  gun  boats  at,  allow  me  to  differ  with  you. 
There  is  a  sufficiency  of  water  on  the  bar  to  let  them  into  the 
lake,  but  not  a  sufficiency  to  let  heavy  armed  vessels  of  the 
enemy  into  the  bay  lo  destroy  them.  The  bay  is  large  and 
spacious,  and  completely  land-lockei,  except  at  the  entrance. 
I  have  made  my  arrangements  in  accordance  with  my  own 
convictions,  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  the  timber  and  other 
material  for  their  construction.    I  believe  I  have  as  perfect  a 


10 


HISTORY   OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


li' 


knowledge  of  this  lake  as  any  other  man  on  it,  and  I  believe 
you  would  agree  witn  me  were  you  here,  viz :  That  this  is  the 
place  for  a  naval  station. 

"  I  remain  yours,  very  respectfully,  &c., 

"  Daniel  Dobbins,  U.  S.  N. 

"  Ideut.  J.  D.  Ellintt,  U.  S.  iV." 

This  letter  from  Elliott  was  the  only  information  Mr.  Dobbins 
got  from  that  quarter  ;  and  not  being  satisfied,  he  hastened  to 
Black  Rock,  where  he  found  a  Lieutenant  Angus  in  command ; 
and  as  he  (Angus)  had  not  heard  from  Commodore  Ghauncey, 
or  from  any  other  source,  of  the  building  of  gun  boats  at  Erie 
(Presqu  'ile)  he  was  at  a  loss  what  course  to  pursue.  Mr. 
Dobbins,  however,  employed  a  skillful  ship  carpenter — the 
only  one  to  be  obtained — and  returned  to  Erie,  determined  to 
urge  forward  the  work  with  such  house  carpenters  and  laborers 
as  he  could  obtain.  Feeling  the  importance  of  the  occasion, 
and  not  receiving  instructions  from  any  quarter,  he  wrote  the 
Department,  asking  for  such,  and  for  funds,  having  expended 
what  he  had  at  first  received. 

The  v\^ork  was  nov^  pushed  as  rapidly  as  possible,  having 
received  instructions  and  funds  from  the  Department.  The 
winter  was  a  very  severe  one,  which  retarded  the  work  in 
many  respects.  It  being  still  urged  at  the  Department  that 
Black  Rock  was  a  more  suitable  place  than  Erie  for  a  naval 
station,  Mr.  Dobbins  wrote  the  Secretary  upon  the  subject,  of 
which  the  following  is  an  extract : 

"Erie,  December  19th,  1812. 
*'  To  Hon.  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy : 

''  Sir  :     *     *     *     ii^  regard  to  the  vessels  cut  down,  and  in 


^i\ 


' 


. 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


11 


an  unfinished  state  at  Blaci:  Rock,  there  can  be  but  little  confi- 
dence placed  in  their  safety.  The  yard  is  within  reach  of  the 
enemy's  batteries,  and  if  finished,  the  vessels  could  be  cut  tO 
pieces  in  passing  up  the  rapids  into  the  lake."       *        *        * 

It  will  be  remembered  that  Commodore  Ghauncey  com- 
manded on  Lake  Erie  as  well  as  Ontario,  and  continued  in 
command  until  after  the  battle,  in  fact,  until  April,  1814. 


CHAPTER    II. 


V 


CA/BOUT  the  1st  of  January,  1813,  Chauncey,  accompanied 
-^-^by  Henry  Eckford  (Naval  Constructor)  officially  visited 
Erie — approved  the  work  of  Mr.  Dan'l  Dobbins  and  gave  in- 
structions to  get  out  timber,  and  prepare  for  the  building  of 
two  "sloops  of  war;"  which  additional  work  was  rapidly 
pushed,  and  the  keels  ready  to  lay,  with  much  of  the  timber 
on  hand,  when  Mr.  Noah  Brown,  master  ship  builder  from 
New  York,  v/ith  a  gang  of  twenty-five  carpenters,  arrived  about 
the  10th  of  March. 

In  a  letter  from  Mr.  Dobbins  to  the  Department  under  date 
of  March  14th,  1873,  we  find  the  following,  viz :  *  *  "  The 
keels  of  the  two  sloops  of  war  are  ready  to  lay,  with  most  of 
the  timber  on  hand — the  gun  boats  are  ready  for  calking,  and 
everything  looks  encouraging  in  that  respect ;  and  yet,  I  have 


12 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE   OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


my  fears  of  the  secret  incendiary,  as  well  as  the  prowling  spy 
of  the  enemy,  and  in  an  unguarded  moment  our  labor  may  be 
destroyed.  As  a  substitute  for  a  guard,  I  have  made  arrange- 
ments with  the  workmen  in  the  yard  to  stand  guard  until  I 
hear  from  you.  Mr.  Brown  joins  me  in  my  opinion  in  regard 
to  the  danger,  and  the  course  I  intend  to  pursue."  This  guard, 
in  connection  with  a  well  armed  volunteer  company  com- 
manded by  Captain  Thos.  Forster,  composed  of  sixty  citizens, 
constituted  for  some  time  the  only  protection  of  the  town  and 
vessels  on  the  stocks. 

Commodore  Perry  arrived  on  the  27th  from  Black  Rock, 
and  at  once  assumed  command.  The  defenceless  condition  of 
the  vessels  and  the  town  at  once  claimed  his  attention,  and  he 
immediately  sent  for  General  Mead,  the  military  commander  in 
that  portion  of  Pennsylvania ;  the  result  of  which  conference 
was  the  calling  out  of  the  military  force  under  his  command, 
or  sufficient  for  a  guard,  and  in  a  short  time  one  thousand 
mititia  were  in  camp,  which  was  ultimately  reinforced  by  sev- 
eral hundred  volunteers  from  the  interior  of  the  State. 

Although  Erie  (Presqu  'ile)  had  twice  been  occupied  as  a 
Fiilitary  post — first  by  the  French  as  early  as  1760,  and  subse- 
quently by  the  United  States  in  1798,  and  where  the  latter  had 
a  stockade-fort  with  three  small  block-houses  and  other 
military  fixtures — yet  not  a  single  piece  of  ordnance  remained, 
and  the  only  thing  in  the  shape  of  a  cannon  was  a  small  iron 
boat  hoivitzer,  with  which  the  villagers  celebrated  the  Fourth  of 
July,  and  other  occasions,  belonging  to  General  Kelso,  it  having 
been  found  by  him  on  the  beach  of  the  lake,  where  probably 
it  had  been  left  by  the  wrecking  of  an  armed  French  batteau. 


HISTORY    OF  THE   BATTLE   OF   LAKE    ERIE. 


13 


Nothing  now  remains  of  the  French  fort,  but  portions  of  some 
earthworks.  The  American  fortifications,  though  gone  to 
ruins,  were  put  in  condition  and  occupied. 

In  comparison  with  the  great  facilities  for  ship  building  of 
the  present  day,  we  can  form  but  a  remote  idea  of  the  diff'  puI- 
ties  Commodore  Perry  and  his  compeers  had  to  encountei  in 
building,  and  equipping,  his  squadron.  All  the  carpenters  and 
blacksmiths  in  the  country  having  been  employed  by  Mr. 
Dobbins  in  building  the  gun  boats,  and  all  the  stores  in  the 
village  ransacked  for  iron,  and  then  forced  to  get  the  most  of  it 
from  Pittsburgh,  Commodore  Perry  found  but  little  to  work 
with,  the  great  responsibility  resting  upon  his  shoulders,  and 
the  gigantic  task  before  him.  He,  however,  managed  to  get  a 
small  supply  for  immediate  use  from  Pittsburgh  and  Buffalo. 
But  the  gallant  young  hero  was  equal  to  the  task,  and  started 
into  the  work  with  all  the  energy  and  determination  his  future 
achievements  demonstrated.  He  at  once  wrote  the  Secretary 
of  the  Navy  what  was  immediately  required,  when  carpenters 
and  blacksmiths  were  ordered  from  Philadelphia.  Mr.  Dobbins 
was  dispatched  to  Black  Rock  for  seamen  and  chests  of  arms, 
and  such  ordnance  as  he  could  manage  to  transport,  which 
was  a  heavy  task,  considering  the  bad  condition  of  the  roads 
incident  to  the  breaking  up  of  spring  through  a  new  country. 

On  the  30th  of  March,  Sailing  Master  W.  V.  Taylor,  a  very 
skillfnl  officer  and  thorough  seaman,  arrived  from  Sackett's 
Harbor,  with  twenty  officers  and  seamen.  Perry  now  deter- 
mined to  leave  him  in  command  and  proceed  to  Pittsburgh,  to 
hasten  the  workmen  en  route  from  Philadelphia,  and  make 
further  arrangements  for  supplies.    Upon  his  arrival  at  Pitts- 


14 


HISTORY    OF    THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


m 


m 


ill! 

'M  i 


I  ; 


burgh  made  arrangements  for  canvas  for  the  sails  to  be  brought 
from  Philadelphia,  including  cables,  anchors  and  other  supplies. 
He  met  with  a  Captain  A.  R.  Woolley,  an  intelligent  ordnance 
officer  of  the  army,  from  whom  he  received  valuable  aid  and 
advice  in  the  way  of  procuring  armament,  and  matters  per- 
taining to  it,  and  from  whom  he  obtained  four  small  field 
pieces,  and  some  muskets.  Captain  Woolley  also  volunteered 
to  supervise  the  casting  of  the  carronades  and  shot,  and  other 
requisites.  Perry  started  on  his  return  to  Erie  on  the  7th  of 
April,  and  on  his  arrival  found  the  work  upon  the  vessels  rap- 
idly progressing;  though  Mr.  Dobbins  had  been  able  to  get 
through  with  but  one  12-pounder  from  Buffalo,  and  three 
chests  of  muskets, — floods,  sweeping  away  of  bridges,  and 
almost  impassable  roads  having  to  be  overcome.  Perry  now, 
in  conjunction  with  General  Mead,  had  a  redoubt  thrown  up 
at  the  point  where  the  land  lighthouse  now  stands ;  and  Mr. 
Dobbins  having  in  the  meantime  arrived  from  Buffalo  with  two 
long  12-pounders,  they  were  mounted  upon  it.  On  Garrison 
Hill  another  was  thrown  up,  with  the  four  pieces  obtained  at 
Pittsburgh  mounted  thereon.  Perry  also  had  a  rude  block 
house  erected  upon  the  bluff  overlooking  the  yard  where  the 
large  vessels  were  constructing,  and  where  a  brigade  of  troops 
were  encamped.  There  was  also  another  redoubt  thrown  up 
on  the  bluff  commanding  the  yard  where  the  gun  boats  were 
still  on  the  stocks,  with  an  encampment  of  troops  to  garrison 
it,  and  guns  mounted  as  fast  as  they  could  be  obtained  from 
Buffalo. 

The  two  "sloops  of  war"  were  built  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Cascade  Creek,  about  one  mile  above  the  village,  as  a  greater 


, 


HISTORY    or    THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


15 


I 


depth  of  water  could  bo  obtained  at  this  point  for  launching. 
The  gun  boats  were  constructed  upon  a  wide  beach  of  the  bay, 
at  a  point  now  known  as  "  Reed's  Dock,"  near  the  village. 

Mr.  Dobbins  having  been  awarded  the  task  of  transporting 
the  heavy  ordnance  from  Black  Rock,  or  the  temporary  naval 
station  at  Gonjaquades  Creek,  just  below  that  place,  to  Erie  ; 
and  after  managing  to  get  a  few  through  by  land,  notwithstand- 
ing the  almost  impassable  roads,  and  then  by  open  boats,  as 
soon  as  the  ice  in  the  lake  was  out  sufficiently  for  a  passage, 
called  forth  the  best  energies  of  Mr.  Dobbins,  as  it  was  done  in 
the  face  of  the  enemy,  they  being  aware  of  what  was  [^oing  on  ; 
and  as  soon  as  the  ice  permitted,  their  Spies  were  constantly 
on  the  lookout.  As  a  sample  of  one  of  these  hazardous  trips, 
he  started  to  bring  up  two  long  32-pounders,  weighing  3,600 
pounds  each.  In  the  way  of  a  craft,  he  was  only  able  to  pro- 
cure an  old  "Derham  boat,  so-called,  which  had  been  used 
to  boat  salt  from  Schlosser  to  Fort  Erie ;  and  after  fitting  her 
up  as  best  he  could,  with  timbers  placed  lengthwise  in  her 
bottom,  got  the  guns  on  board,  including  a  quantity  of  naval 
stores.  When  ready,  tracked  up  the  rapids  of  Niagara  River 
and  started  for  Erie,  having  a  four-oared  boat  in  company. 
He  kept  near  the  American  shore,  but  dare  not  show  his  sail 
except  at  night.  When  off  Cattaraugus,  in  the  night,  it  came 
on  to  blow  heavily  from  northwest,  and  in  order  to  keep  her 
off  the  beach,  they  made  what  sail  they  could  with  two  planks 
for  leaboards,  and,  after  a  struggle,  succeeded  in  getting  an 
offing.  But  their  troubles  were  not  ended :  the  great  steering- 
oar  unshipped,  and  the  boat  fell  off  into  the  trough  of  the  sea. 
The  heavy  rolling  soon  carried  away  the  step  of  the  mast 


16 


HISTORY   OF   THE    BATTLE    OF   LAKE    ERIE. 


iiH 


before  they  could  get  the  sail  down.  But  the  repairs  were 
soon  made  and  they  got  sail  on  again,  when  it  was  found  she 
was  leaking  badly,  caused  by  the  heavy  rolling,  with  so  much 
weight  in  her  bottom,  and  likely  to  founder.  As  the  old 
maxim  has  it,  "necessity  is  the  mother  of  invention,"  Mr. 
Dobbins  took  a  coil  of  rope  they  had  on  board,  and  passing 
the  rope  round  and  round  her,  from  forward  to  aft,  and  heaving 
the  turns  taut  with  a  gunner's  hand  spike,  thus  managing  to 
keep  her  afloat,  with  all  hands  bailing.  At  daylight  they  found 
themselves  some  ten  miles  below  Erie,  with  two  of  the  enemy's 
cruisers  in  sight  in  the  offmg  to  windward.  However,  the 
wind  had  veered  more  to  the  eastward,  and  they  made  port 
with  a  fair  wind — their  consort,  having  parted  company  with 
them  in  the  night,  safely  made  port,  and  reported  Mr.  Dobbins' 
boat  lost. 

Gangs  of  additional  carpenters,  blacksmiths,  sailmakers, 
riggers,  &c.,soon  arrived  from  New  York  and  Philadelphia  and 
the  work  went  bravely  on. 


/ 


> 


i  h 


li 


1  * 
I 
ill  • 

in 


CHAPTER    III. 


ON  THE  23d  of  May,  Perry  suddenly  took  his  departure  for 
Lake  Ontario,  taking  Mr.  Dobbins  with  him,  and  leaving 
Sailing  Master  Taylor  in  command  at  Erie.    They  left  that 


% , 


HISTORY    OF    THE    BATTIE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


17 


evening  in  a  four-oared  boat.  At  the  contemplated  sortie  upon 
Fort  George,  Perry  having  been  offered  by  Ghauncey  the  com- 
mand of  the  seamen  and  marines  that  might  land.  After  a 
trip  full  of  discomforts  and  dangers,  they  reached  Schlosser  on 
the  third  day.  It  being  impossible  to  get  a  conveyance  from 
there,  Mr.  Dobbins  managed  to  procure  an  old  Ganadian  pony, 
and  an  old  saddle,  with  a  rope  girth,  which  the  sailors  had 
fitted  from  the  painter  of  the  boat.  On  this  old  Rosinant 
Perry  mounted,  in  full  loniform.  Mr.  Dobbins  smiled  at  the 
Quixotic  appearance  of  his  chief,  as  also  did  Perry,  and  pleas- 
antly remarking,  "  Any  port  in  a  storm,  Mr.  Dobbins  ;  this  is 
the  best  we  can  do."  Mr.  Dobbins  advised  him  to  take  the 
boat's  crew  with  him  as  a  guard,  the  banks  of  the  river  being 
infested  with  prowling  Indians  and  spies,  but  he  refused,  how- 
ever allowing  Mr.  Dobbins  to  accompany  him  on  foot  for  some 
distance,  both  being  armed.  Perry  then  gave  Mr.  Dobbins 
orders  to  return  to  Schlosser  and  procure  boats  to  take  up  a 
draft  of  seamen  to  Black  Rock,  which  he  said  would  be  sent 
up  in  a  few  days,  or  directly  after  the  affair  of  Fort  George. 

On  the  27th  of  May,  Fort  George  fell.  The  part  Perry  bore 
in  this  telling  capture  is  a  matter  of  history ;  and  the  first  twig 
of  the  cluster  of  laurels,  soon  to  adorn  his  brow. 

On  the  28th,  the  detachment  of  officers  and  men  arrived  at 
Schlosser,  and  were  immediately  embarked  for  Black  Rock, 
where  they  arrived  the  next  day ;  Perry  had  already 
arrived  at  Black  Rock,  having  gone  up  by  land.  After  the 
capture  of  Fort  Gebrge,  the  enemy  evacuated  the  Niagara 
frontier  to  a  great  extent,  and  Perry  at  once  determined  to  get 
the  vessels  purchased  by  the  Government  and  prepared  for 


18 


HISTORY    OF   THE   BATTLE    OF   LAKE    ERIE. 


Ill 


li 


i'; 


war  purposes  by  Henry  Eckford,  and  blockaded  in  Gonjaquades 
Greek  by  the  batteries  of  the  enemy  on  the  opposite  ?hore,  up 
to  Erie,  if  possible.  At  once  the  guns  were  dismounted  on  the 
batteries,  and  mounted  upon  the  vessels,  and  the  naval  stores 
got  on  board.  On  the  6th  of  June,  the  vessels  being  ready, 
the  tedious  work  of  tracking  them  up  the  rapids  commenced. 
This  arduous  task  lasted  a  week.  In  addition  to  ox-teams  and 
sailors,  they  had  the  assistance  of  two  hundred  soldiers,  under 
the  command  of  Captains  Brevoort  and  Youngs.  On  the 
morning  of  the  13th,  the  last  vessel  got  safely  out  of  the  rapids. 
The  officers  and  soldiers  detailed  by  General  Dearbourn  to 
assist  in  getting  the  vessels  up  the  rapids,  were,  at  the  request 
of  Perry,  allowed  to  remain  on  board  to  assist  in  navigating 
and  defending  the  vessels  on  their  passage  to  Erie.  This  little 
flotilla  was  composed  of  the  following  vessels,  viz:  Brig  "  Cale- 
donia," (prize)  armament  two  long  24-pounders  and  one  long 
12-pounder ;  schooner  "  Samers,"  (formerly  "  Catherine  ")  two 
long  1 8 -pounders ;  sloop  "  Trippe,"  (formerly  "Contractor") 
one  long 24-pounder ;  schooner  "Ohio,"  one  long  24-pounder; 
schooner  "  Amelia,"  one  long  24-pounder. 

I  have  not  the  names  of  the  commanders  at  hand,  except 
that  the  "  Caledonia"  was  made  the  flagship  for  the  time,  and 
of  course  was  commanded  by  Perry,  the  ''Ohio"  by  Mr. 
Dobbins  ;  the  rest  of  the  commanders  were  ordered  from  Erie. 

On  the  evening  of  the  15th  they  sailed  for  Erie,  but  were 
driven  ba  '\y  a  heavy  wind  the  next  day.  On  that  evening 
they  sal.  .i.     Great  vigilance  was  necessary  in  order  to 

elude  the  of  the  enemy  then  cruising  at  the  foot  of  the 

lake,  and  constantly  on  the  lookout  for  them.     The  British 


iii 


i 

I 


HISTORY    OF   THE   BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


19 


fleet  consisted  of  the  following  vessels,  viz :  "  Queen  Charlotte," 
armament  17  guns  ;  '*  Lady  Provost,"  13  guns  ;  "  Hunter,"  10 
guns ;  "  Little  Belt,"  3  guns ;  schooner  "  Chippewa,"  1  gun. 
Had  they  encountered  our  little  flotilla  there  would  have 
been  some  warm  work,  but  the  disparity  of  force  was  too  great, 
consequently,  victory  would  have  been  with  them,  ;  nd  British 
ascendancy  on  the  upper  lakes  would  have  been  prolonged. 
However,  fortune  favored  the  gallant  Perry,  and  he  managed 
to  elude  them.  So  near  were  they  to  meeting,  that  when  off 
Dunkirk,  the  wind  being  light  ahead,  and  the  weather  hazy, 
Perry  anchored  his  vessels  close  in  shore  in  order  not  to  be 
seen  from  the  offing.  While  there,  a  man  made  his  appearance 
on  the  bank  of  the  lake  and  made  signals.  Perry  sent  a  boat 
for  him,  when  he  gave  the  information  that  the  enemy  had 
been  at  anchor  the  night  before  off  the  20  mile  creek  below 
Erie,  and  sent  on  shore  to  get  fresh  supplies — that  from  an  in- 
termediate point  he  could  see  both  fleets  at  the  same  time. 
But  good  luck  was  on  our  side  ;  Perry  with  his  little  squadron 
entered  the  harbor  of  Erie,  all  safe,  on  the  morning  of  the  19th 
of  June.  Every  preparatior  and  precaution  had  been  attended 
to  by  the  ever  vigilant  young  hero.  Ho  had  arranged  a  line  of 
battle,  when  sailing  abreast  or  in  line  ;  also  a  code  of  signals, 
which  were  as  follows  : 

"  One  gun — Underway  to  get. 

Green  at  the  fore — Form  the  order  of  sailing  ahead. 

Green  at  the  main — Form  the  order  of  sailing  abreast. 

Green  at  the  main  peak — Form  the  order  of  battle  on  the 
starboard  tack. 

Green  in  the  fore  rigging — Form  the  order  of  battle  on  the 
larboard  tack. 

Green  in  the  main  rigging — Close  more  the  present  order. 


IP! 


'  W 


ml 


j!; 

III 


^in 


20 


HISTORY    OF   THE   BATTLE   OF    LAKE   EniE. 


White  at  the  fore — Open  more  the  present  order. 

White  at  the  main — Tack. 

Wliite  at  the  main  peak — Follow  the  motions  of  the  flagship. 

Ensign  at  the  main  gaff — Engage  the  enemy. 

White  at  the  main,  with  stop  in  the  middle — Chase. 

Ensign  in  the  fore  rigging — Repair  on  board  flagship,  all 
Commanders. 

Green  and  white  at  the  main  gaff — Gome  within  hail. 

It  is  expected  Command  's  will  pay  stiict  attention  to  the 
order  of  sailing. 

No  property  other  than  public,  or  passengers  to  be  received 
on  board  any  of  the  vessels  under  my  command. 

0.  H,  PERRY." 

When  at  the  lower  end  of  the  lake,  the  British  squadron 
usually  rendezvoused  at  what  is  known  as  "  Mohawk  Bay  " 
below  Grand  River.  This  is  an  indentation  of  the  main,  with 
a  small  island  in  front,  and  a  long  reef  extending  off"  to  the 
easlward — making  a  fine  lea,  with  sea  room  inside  and  good 
holding  ground.  From  here  they  would  sail  to  keep  watch  of 
the  movements  on  the  American  side.  They  were  rampant 
on  hearing  of  Perry  arriving  safely  at  Erie  v/ith  b*s  little  fleet, 
despite  their  vigilance. 

The  vessels  to  comprise  the  squadron  were  now  all  within 
the  bay  at  Erie,  and  the  equipping  and  arming  went  on  rapidly^ 
The  court  house  had  been  converted  into  a  sail  loft ;  the  sails 
were  nearly  completed,  while  the  rigging  was  being  fitted  on 
board  the  vessels. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  Commodore  Chauncey  was  the 
senior  officer  on  Lake  Erie  as  well  as  Ontario  ;  and  that  every- 
thing of  importance  connected  with  building  and  equipping  the 
squadron  had  to  come  through  him,  instead  of  coming  direct 
to  Perry  from  the  Department.      Thus  the  delay  of  many 


HISTORY    OF   THE   BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


21 


all 


matters,  particularly  in  procuring  crews  for  the  vessels. 

The  two  "sloops  of  war" — afterward  named  "Lawrence" 
and  "  Niagara  " — were  built  after  the  same  models,  being  100 
feet  straight  rabbit,  110  feet  between  the  perpendiculars,  30 
feet  beam,  and  9  feet  hold,  fiush  deck,  and  pierced  for  20  guns 
with  two  stern  ports.  Mr.  Brown,  the  efficient  and  enterpris- 
ing master  builder,  gave  them  this  shallow  depth  of  hold  in 
order  to  have  a  good  heighth  of  "quarters"  or  bulwarks,  and 
at  the  same  time  avoid  showing  a  high  side  above  the  water, 
and  also  to  secure  a  light  draught  of  water.  They  were  hastily 
constructed  of  such  timber  as  came  handy,  though  staunchly 
built.  In  the  language  of  Mr.  Brown  to  one  ot  the  workmen, 
who  was  somewhat  particular  in  finishing  his  job,  "We  want 
no  extras — plain  work  is  all  that  is  required  ;  they  will  only  be 
wanted  for  one  battle ;  if  we  win,  that  is  all  that  is  wanted  of 
them ;  if  the  enemy  are  victorious,  the  v/ork  is  good  enough  to 
be  captured." 


CHAPTER    IV. 


Ca)n  error  has  got  into  sc 
-^-^name — claiminer  it  as  "St. 


some  accounts  of  the  old  ship's 
-claiming  it  as  "St.  Lawrence,"  after  the  river  of 
that  name,  as  the  other  vessel  was  named  "  Niagara  "  after  the 
Niaga^'i  River.    The  name  was  given  by  the  Navy  Department 


ml 


\!    '  i : 


22 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF   LAKE    ERIE. 


li'i ; 


\'ii  i 


■;;;■ 


1  I 


I 


II  ■ 

■'Hi' 


i  1 


!«!   1 


in  honor  of  Captain  James  Lawrence,  who  fell  mortally 
wounded  while  in  command  of  the  frigate  "  Chesapeake  "  in 
her  unfortunate  encounter  with  the  British  frigate  "  Shannon  ;^' 
and  Perry  adopted  Lawrence's  last  words  as  a  motto  for  his 
lighting  flag,  viz :  *'  DonH  give  up  the  Ship^ 

The  schooner  "Ariel"  (of  pilot  boat  model)  and  "Scorpion" 
were  about  63  tons  burden  ;  the  "  Porcupine  "  and  •'  Tigress  " 
about  52  tons.  The  tonnage  of  the  vessels  brought  from  Black 
Rock  were  as  follows,  viz:  Brig  '* Caledonia"  (captured  by 
Lieutenant  Elliot  from  under  the  guns  of  Fort  Erie)  was  85 
tons  ;  schooner  "Somers,"  65  tons;  sloop  "Trippe,"  63  tons; 
schooner  "  Ohio,"  62  tons  ;  schooner  "  Amelia,"  72  tons.  This 
latter  vessel  was  cordemned  on  examination  after  reaching 
Erie,  and  sunk  in  the  harbor. 

The  gun  boats  being  completed,  were  launched  about  the 
last  of  April — immediately  fitted  out,  armed,  and  rendezvoused 
with  the  other  vessels  in  the  vicinity  of  the  yard  where  the 
sloops  of  war  were  on  th?  stocks,  to  defend  them  in  case  of  an 
attack. 

There  appears  some  discrepancy  between  authors  and  those 
who  should  have  a  correct  knowledge  of  the  date  when  the 
"  Lawrence  "  and  "  Niagara  "  were  Ij^n-ched.  Mackenzie  has 
it  "  on  the  24th  of  May,"  and  most  accounts  have  adopted  that 
date.  From  circumstances,  and  in  fact,  direct  data^  as  also  the 
opinion  of  living  witnesses  who  were  connected  with  their 
construction,  the  "  Lawrence  "  was  launched  on  or  about  the 
25th  of  June,  and  the  " Niagara"  on  the  4th  of  July. 

Full  crews  f-^"  the  vessels  was  now  the  Important  mat- 
ter,   and  up   to   the    25th   of    June,   there   had   been   but 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


23 


m 

.11 


about  one  hundred  and  fifty  men  and  officers  received 
from  Lake  Ontario,  the  point  they  were  expected  from,  and 
many  of  these  were  on  the  sick  list.  Perry  was  every  day 
receiving  communications  from  the  Navy  Department,  urging 
him  to  hasten  the  equipment  of  his  squadron,  so  as  to  act  in 
conjunction  with  General  Harrison,  in  a  combined  movement 
against  the  enemy  by  land  and  water.  This  was  very  perplex- 
ing to  Perry,  as  he  was  short  of  officers  and  men  ;  and  to  make 
matters  worse,  the  200  soldiers,  with  Captains  Brevoort  and 
Youngs,  whom  had  gone  up  in  the  vessels  from  Black  Rock  to 
Erie,  and  Perry  had  made  application  to  retain,  and  be  dis- 
tributed through  the  squadron  as  marines,  were  recalled  to 
Black  Rock.  On  the  10th  of  July,  Perry  had  received  a  letter 
from  General  Dearbourn,  saying,  "  by  order  of  the  War  De- 
partment, the  officers  and  soldiers  must  return,"  excepting 
Captain  Brevoort,  whom  he  permitted  to  remain,  as  Captain  B. 
had  navigated  the  lakes  several  years  in  command  of  the  brig 
"Adams"  under  the  auspices  of  the  War  Department,  and 
would  be  of  great  service.  The  troops  were  sent  off  immedi- 
ately in  boats  under  the  command  of  Captain  Youngs.  This 
was  a  sad  blow  to  Perry.  However,  after  writing  urgent  letters 
to  Chauncey,  he  got  news  of  a  draft  of  men  and  officers  being 
forwarded,  and  on  the  17th  dispatched  Mr.  Dobbins  with  two 
boats — to  be  joined  by  others  at  Buffalo,  and  bring  them  to 
Erie.     The  fofiowiug  is  the  order : 

''Erie,  July  17th,  1813. 

"  Sir  : — You  will  repair  to  Buffalo  with  the  two  boats,  and 

there  wait  until  the  officers  and  men  destined  for  the  vessels  of 

war  at  this  place,  arrive.     You  will  upon  your  arrival  at  Buffalo 

endeavor  to  collect,  in  conjunction  with  Mr.  Carter,  boats,  in 


'W 


■IS 


Ml 


Hi 


M    I 


11 


1 


;| 


24 


HISTORY   OF    THE    BATTLE    OF   LAKE    ERIE. 


addition  to  the  four  belonging  to  the  Navy,  for  the  transporta- 
tion of  the  men,  say  three  or  four  hundred,  from  that  place  to 
Erie.  The  boats  to  be  collected  at  Buffalo  Greek.  Great  cau- 
tion will  be  necessary  on  your  way  up,  to  prevent  being 
intercepted  by  the  enemy.  Should  they  appear  off  this  harbor, 
I  will  send  an  express  to  Cattaraugus  and  the  20  mile  creek,  to 
give  you  information. 

"  Very  respectfully,  &c., 

"0.  H.  PERRY. 
•*  Sailing  Master  Daniel  Dobbins^ 

As  an  excuse  for  frequently  mentioning  the  name  of  Sailing 
Master  Dobbins,  will  state,  that  I  have  his  papers  and  memo- 
randa made  at  the  time ;  and  as  he  was  actively  engaged  in 
getting  up  and  equipping  the  squadron,  and  in  operations  on 
the  upper  lakps  during  the  war,  valuable  information  is  ob- 
tained therefrom ;  including  the  fact  that  he  was  the  only  officer 
at  the  time  who  was  familiar  with  the  navigation  and  coast  on 
both  sides.  Thus,  he  was  invariably  detailed  for  duty  on  all 
occasions  away  from  Erie,  requiring  a  knowledge  of  the  navi- 
gation, locality,  and  people ;  as  also  a  good  proportion  of  self- 
reliance  and  experience.  Perry's  officers  were  mostly  young, 
without  a  knowledge  of  the  lake  navigation  and  the  difficulties 
incider  t  thereto,  though  at  home  upon  the  deck  of  a  man-of-war 
at  sea.  The  average  age  of  Perry's  officers  is  given  by  Dr 
Usher  Parsons,  the  medical  officer  of  the  flagship  "  Lawrence," 
viz :  *'  The  average  ago  of  the  commissioned  officers  of  Perry's 
squadron  was  less  than  twenty-three ;  the  average  age  of  the 
warrant  officers  was  less  than  twenty  years." 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


25 


CHAPTER    V. 


n 


'^^Y  THE  25th  of  July  the  vessels  were  completed,  and 
-L^ armed,  but  only  partially  officered  and  manned.  At  the 
same  time  Perry  was  in  frequent  receipt  of  communications 
from  the  Department  and  General  Harrison,  urging  him  to  a 
forward  movement ;  and  to  add  still  more  to  Perry's  anxiety, 
Harrison  informed  him,  "The  enemy  would  in  a  few  days 
launch  their  new  ship  "  Detroit,"  and  had  just  received  a  rein- 
forcement of  experienced  officers  and  prime  seamen."  This 
ivas  truly  annoying  to  Perry,  as  Ids  vessels  were  not  fully 
manned ;  however,  those  he  had  were  being  well  disciplined. 
Everything  in  the  way  of  completion  and  preparation  was 
fully  attended  to.  The  supplies  of  ammunition,  stores,  &c., 
were  stowed  temporarily,  to  get  the  best  trim  of  the  vessels. 
This  was  done  that  everything  could  be  replaced  with  alacrity, 
as  they  would  have  to  be  taken  on  shore  in  getting  the  large 
vessels  over  the  bar. 

The  enemy  made  frequent  visits  near  the  roadstead  off  the 
harbor,  and  sometimes  the  "  Queen  Charlotte "  would  visit 
alone.  At  other  times  the  whole  squadron  v/ould  make  the 
menace.  On  the  21st  of  July,  they  made  one  of  these  '^  calls," 
when  the  gun  boats  ran  down  to  the  bar  at  the  entrance,  and 
exchanged  shots  with  them,  with  but  little  effect,  on  our  side  at 
least,  when  they  bade  adieu,  and  >:quared  away  for  Canada, 
probably  to  report. 

Previous  to  the  war  the  English  had  upon  the  lakes  what 
they  termed  a  "Provincial  Marine;"  the  vessels  had  a  light 


26 


HISTORY    OF  THE    BATTLE   OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


s 


armament,  and  were  used  to  transport  troops,  Indian  goods, 
and  frequently  individual  property,  as  there  were  but  few 
merchant  vessels  at  that  period ;  several  of  the  British  squadron 
were  of  this  class,  though  they  had  subsequently  been  refitted 
and  armed. 

Here  again  was  a  lack  of  knowledge  of  the  frontier  on  the 
part  of  the  Government.  The  naval  force  upon  Lake  Erie 
should  at  first  have  been  placed  under  a  separate  command,  as 
Ghauncey  had  his  hands  full  upon  Lake  Ontario,  and  of  course 
could  give  but  little  attention  to  the  operations  on  Lake  Erie. 
Again,  the  men  should  have  been  sent  direct  from  Philadelphia, 
instead  of  round  by  New  York  and  Sackett's  Harbor  to  Erie — 
making  nearly  double  the  distance.  Many  of  the  carpenters, 
sailmakers,  blockmakers,  &c.,  came  from  Philadelphia,  then 
why  not  the  seamen  ?  Had  this  course  been  pursued.  Perry 
would  have  been  on  the  lake  with  his  squadron  and  captured 
the  enemy's  fleet  before  they  could  have  got  out  their  large 
ship,  "  Detroit ;"  as  also  have  co-operated  with  Harrison,  and 
relieved  the  western  end  of  the  lake  of  the  continued  harassing 
they  suffered.  Once  supreme  upon  the  lake,  the  enemy  would 
havo  withdrawn  his  forces  to  Maiden  and  the  Detriot  River. 
Perry  having  established  a  recruiting  station  on  shore  to  enlist 
landsmen  from  the  troops,  with  the  permission  of  the  com- 
manding officer,  had  succeeded  in  getting  about  one  hundred. 
In  the  meantime.  Lieutenant  John  Brooks,  Perry's  chief  marine 
officer,  had  enlisted  some  forty  men  as  marines.  Perry  now 
concluded  he  had  enough — some  three  hundred,  after  landing 
the  invalids — to  cope  with  the  enemy  before  they  got  their  new 
ship  ^"  Detroit ")  out ;  and  a  further  incentive  for  a  forward 


\ 


HISTORY    OF   THE   BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


27 


goods, 
ut  few 
uadron 
refitted 

on  the 
ke  Erie 
land,  as 
'  course 
:e  Erie, 
ielphia, 
I  Erie — 
Denters, 
a,  then 
I,  Perry 
aptured 
ir  large 
3n,  and 
irassing 
r  would 
River. 
0  enlist 
le  com- 
'  idred. 
marine 
ry  now 
landing 
?ir  new 
brward 


move,  was  that  there  was  a  report  that  the  enemy  were  en- 
deavoring to  concentrate  a  heavy  force  at  Long  Point,  from 
whence  the  troops  were  to  be  transported  with  the  fleet  to 
some  point  near  Erie,  where  the  troops  and  Indians  were  to 
be  landed  and  act  in  conjunction  with  their  fleet  in  an  attempt 
to  destroy  the  village  and  vessels.  Perry  hastily  informed  the 
Department  that  he  apprehended  no  danger  of  their  getting 
possession  of  the  vessels,  provided  they  did  capture  the  village, 
as  the  vessels  were  off  at  anchor  in  the  bay,  where  their  fleet 
could  not  enter,  and  he  could  defend  them  against  an  attack 
from  the  shore. 

The  enemy  not  being  in  the  offing,  and  everything  being 
ready  for  a  move.  Perry  got  bis  vessels  under  way  and  moved 
down  to  the  entrance  of  the  channel,  when  preparations  were 
immediately  made  for  getting  the  heavy  vessels  over  the  bar. 
This  was  on  Sunday,  August  1st.  In  the  afternoon  General 
Mead  and  staff  visited  the  Lawrence,  and  were  received  with  a 
salute.  The  General  was  much  pleased  with  the  warlike  ap- 
pearance of  the  vessels,  particularly  the  "Lawrence"  and 
"iuagara."  The  General  had  rendered  valuable  services  in 
various  ways  in  the  building  of  the  squadron,  and  in  prepara- 
tions for  their  defense;  and  Perry  availed  himself  of  this 
opportunity  to  tender  him  hearty  thanks,  not  only  on  his  own 
account,  but  in  behalf  of  the  Navy  Department. 

The  "  Lawrence"  and  "  Niagara  "  were  twin  vessels  in  every 
respect — built  from  the  same  models,  fitted  and  armed  alike, 
and  were  full-rigged  brigs.  At  the  present  day  they  would  be 
considered  small,  but  at  that  period  they  were  immense.  The 
people  from  the  interior,  on  hearing  the  report  of  the  guns  in 


28 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF   LAKE    ERIE. 


inil 


m\ 


I 


111! 


1  !■«  ilB  .    > 


firing  tlie  salute  for  General  Mead,  hastened  to  the  village, 
expecting  that  the  enemy  \vas  making  an  attack.  The  large 
vessels  were  a  great  curiosity,  and  looked  formidable,  in  their 
eyes,  in  comparison  with  the  small  craft  they  had  been  accus- 
tomed to  see ;  and  the  big  guns  were  giants  of  destruction  in 
their  estimation.  They  felt  proud  of  the  formidable  appear- 
ance of  our  "  war  ships,"  and  rejoiced  that  we  now  had  a 
naval  force  able  to  cope  with  the  British  fleet,  which  had 
so  long  controled  the  lakes,  and  menaced  us  so  frequently — 
"Gould  meet  the  enemy  and  make  them  ours."  They  felt 
that  there  would  soon  be  an  end  to  the  frequent  alarms,  and 
the  imaginary  war-whoop  of  the  Indian  would  no  longer  haunt 
their  midnight  slumbers.  They  could  now  go  to  their  homes 
and  feel  a  security  they  had  not  felt  for  the  last  year. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  2d,  Mr.  Dobbins  took  charge  of 
the  "  Lawrence  "  as  pilot,  and  kedged  her  to  the  entrance  of 
the  channel,  he  having  sounded  and  buoyed  it  out  the  day 
before.  The  water  was  found  to  be  quite  low,  in  consequence 
of  the  east  wind.  The  "  Niagara  "  was  then  kedged  up  near 
the  bar  and  moored  with  springs  upon  her  cables,  her  port 
broadside  facing  the  roadstead.  The  smaller  vessels  were  then 
moored  in  a  somewhat  similar  manner,  and  preparations  made 
to  defend  the  "  Lawrence  "  while  on  the  bar.  The  work  of 
getting  out  the  guns,  ballast,  and  other  heavy  matter  went  on 
briskly  on  board  the  "  Lawrence,"  and  in  three  hours  every- 
thinff  ^'.  ^o  removed  to  the  sand  beach,  the  guns  being  rolled  up 
on  timbers  so  that  they  could  be  quickly  reshipped  should  oc- 
casion require.  The  fallacious  yarn  of  the  guns  being  "  hoisted 
out  with  the  charges  in  them  and  placed  in  boats  which  were 


\ 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


29 


> 


dropped  astern,"  is  novel  in  the  extreme,  and  does  injustice  to 
the  intelHgence  of  Perry.  The  absurdity,  if  not  danger^  of 
rousing  loaded  guns  about  in  this  way,  particularly  amongst  the 
sand,  must  be  obvious  to  any  one,  but  more  particularly  to 
those  familiar  with  handling  and  practicing  with  ordnance. 
This  attempt  to  show  extraordinary  preparation  for  an  attack 
condemns  itself,  as  it  is  well  known  it  takes  but  a  few  moments 
to  load  a  gun  with  prepared  ammunition.  Again,  it  has  been 
recorded  that  a  "  water  battery  of  three  long  12-pounders  hud 
been  mounted  upon  the  beach,"  &c.  This  is  also  error;  they 
were  mounted  in  the  redoubt  on  the  bank  of  the  lake,  where 
the  land  lighthouse  now  stands,  some  100  feet  above  the  water, 
and  completely  commanding  the  channel.  There  was  also  the 
"  field  battery  "  on  Garrison  hill,  directly  abreast  of  the  channel. 
The  "  camels  "  were  immediately  got  alongside  of  the  "  Law- 
rence," timbers  placed  athwart  the  vessel,  with  the  ends 
resting  upon  the  "camels,"  and  the  necessary  preparations 
made  for  lifting. 

These  ''  camels  "  were  an  invention  of  Mr.  Brown  ;  were 
oblong,  with  square  ends,  90  feet  long,  40  feet  wide,  and  six 
feet  depth  of  hold,  with  a  strong  deck.  They  had  two  holes 
cut  through  the  bottom,  six  inches  square,  with  curbs  to  guide 
the  long  plugs  to  the  holes  when  required.  The  "  camels  " 
were  placed  one  on  each  side,  as  before  stated,  the  plugs  taken 
out  and  the  "  camels  "  filled,  the  heavy  timbers  thrust  through 
the  port-holes,  the  blocking  and  lashing  secured,  when  the 
holes  were  plugged  up,  and  the  pumps  set  at  work.  Thus,  as 
the  water  was  discharged,  the  vessel  was  lifted.  Owing  to 
continued  easterly  winds,  causing  low  water,  the  operations 


30 


HISTORY   OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


with  the  "  camels"  had  to  be  repeated  before  the  "  Lawrence  " 
could  be  floated.  After  a  laborious  task,  night  and  day,  she 
was  got  over  on  the  morning  of  the  4th,  and  towed  out  to  her 
anchorage.  As  a  sample  of  the  never-flagging  energy  of  Perry, 
by  two  o'clock  P.  M.  everything  was  replaced,  guns  mounted, 
a  salute  fired,  and  she  ready  for  action.  The  "Niagara"  was 
now  towed  to  the  entrance  of  the  channel,  and  preparations 
made  to  lighten  her,  while  the  "  camels  "  were  being  prepared 
for  their  work. 


CHAPTER    VI. 


m 

ill; 

ili  it 


IN  THE  meantime,  early  in  the  morning,  the  enemy  made 
their  appearance  in  the  offing,  and  hove-to  to  reconnoitre, 
when  about  eight  miles  out.  The  smaller  vessels  having  been 
taken  over  the  bar  with  but  little  trouble,  were  all  anchored 
with  the  "  Lawrence ;"  the  wind  was  from  the  southeast  and 
weather  hazy.  Perry,  expecting  them  to  attack,  made  hasty 
arrangements  to  give  them  as  warm  a  reception  as  possible ; 
and,  if  necessary,  to  run  the  "  Lawrence  "  ashore  ijnder  the 
guns  of  the  battery  on  the  bank,  which,  with  the  field  battery 
on  Garrison  hill,  and  many  of  the  "  Niagara's  "  guns  (the  bal- 
ance being  still  on  board)  which  had  been  hastily  mounted 
upon  the  beach,  including  the  heavy  guns  of  the  smaller  ves- 


HISTORY   OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


31 


sels,  the  enemy  would  have  had  their  hands  full.  After 
reconnoitering  for  an  hour  or  so,  they  bore  up  and  stood  across 
the  lake.  At  this  moment  Mr.  Dobbins  had  arrived  alongside 
with  a  launch  loaded  with  shot.  Perry  called  him  aft  to  make 
enquiries  in  regard  to  the  appearance  of  the  coast  from  the 
offing,  he  (Perry)  having  never  had  an  opportunity  to  observe. 
Mr.  D.  told  him  "  The  shoreline  would  show  quite  indistinct  at 
the  distance  the  enemy  were  ou^  in  consequence  of  the  hazy 
weather  and  the  high  land  in  the  rear ;  he  then  called  Perry's 
attention  to  the  fact  that  the  vessels  were  all  heading  the  same 
course  of  the  "  Niagara,"  and  she  hard  aground  on  the  bar. 
Perry  at  once  exclaimed,  "  They  have  been  deceived — they 
think  the  vessels  are  all  gver  the  bar,  but  not  quite  ready ;  bear 
a  hand  sir  with  the  lighters — hurry  up  everything  on  the 
beach,"  &c.  Perry  wishing  to  know  the  course  they  would 
take,  dispatched  the  schooner  "  Ariel,"  Lieutenant  Packett,  to 
follow  them  at  a  distance  and  ascertain,  if  possible.  On  the 
return  of  the  "  Ariel "  Packett  reported  that  they  had  gone  to 
Long  Point,  which  was  afterwards  ascertained  to  be  the  fact. 
It  was  afterwards  known,  also,  that  after  landing  a  courier  they 
bore  up  the  lake  for  Maiden,  and  never  showed  themselves 
outside  of  the  mouth  of  Detroit  River  until  their  encounter 
with  our  squadron  on  the  10th  of  September. 

Some  authors  have  it,  that  "  Perry  sent  out  the  schooners 
"  Scorpion,"  Sailing  Master  Ghamplain,  and  "  Ariel,"  Lieutenant 
Packett,  to  annoy  the  enemy  at  long  shot,  and  keep  them  at 
bay,' '  &c.  This  is  error ;  the  above  is  correct.  The  absence  of 
the  enemy  was  more  to  the  liking  of  the  gallant  Perry  ijhan 
their  presence  at  this  particular  time.     It  would  have  been  con- 


32 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE   OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


.S-ft- 


sidered  an  absurdity  to  send  two  small  schooners  off  into  the 
lake  to  "  annoy  and  keep  at  bay  "  the  whole  British  fleet. 
Should  they  have  got  within  range  of  the  enemy,  they  must 
necessarily  be  within  range  of  the  enemy's  long  guns ;  and  a 
little  crippling  of  the  schooners  would  be  sure  to  lead  to  capture, 
as  the  wind  was  ahead  to  return.  Besides,  by  being  delayed, 
they  might  have  discovered  the  true  position  of  our  vessels ; 
as  the  sun  rose  it  \,  ould  clear  away  the  haze,  with  probably  a 
shift  of  wind,  when  the  vessels  afloat  would  swing  to  the  wind 
and  show  the  position  of  the  "  Niagara."  This  would  be  poor 
strategy,  and  Perry  knew  his  business  better  than  to  adopt 
such.  These  facts  have  been  stated  to  the  writer  by  Mr.  Dobbins 
— and  he  has  heard  other  officers  conversing  upon  the  subject, 
including  Lieutenant  Packett.  Besides  all  this,  Mr.  D.,  in  a 
conversation  with  Lieutenant  Rollett,  a  Provincial  officer  in  his 
Majesty's  service,  with  whom  he  was  acquainted  previous  to 
the  war,  says  he  "  was  attached  to  the  "  Lady  Provost "  at  this 
time,  and  that  they  were  deceived  precisely  in  the  same  relation 
Perry  had  conjectured — that  they  well  knew  the  purpose  for 
which  the  "  Ariel "  had  been  sent  out,  and  endeavored  to  de- 
ceive her  until  she  was  well  out  of  sight  on  her  return." 

The  enemy  having  made  off,  the  work  of  lightening  on 
board  the  "  Niagara  "  went  on  rapidly — in  a  few  hours  every- 
thing was  on  the  beach,  and  the  "  camels  "  at  work.  In  the 
nieantime  the  wind  had  shifted  to  the  westward,  which  raised 
the  water,  and  the  next  day  she  was  floate^l,  armed,  and  fully 
equipped  for  battle.  The  schooners  "  Ohio "  and  "Amelia" 
were  left  inside  for  the  present,  the  "  Amelia "  being  con- 
demned as  unseav/orthy. 


\ 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


33 


Perry  now  had  his  squadron  all  safely  in  the  lake,  and,  with 
the  exception  of  the  proper  complement  of  men,  was  ready  to 
meet  the  enemy. 

When  the  British  squadron  had  made  their  last  visit  but  one 
to  Erie,  they  went  to  Port  Dover,  on  the  Main,  in  the  rear  of 
Long  Point,  where  Commodore  Barclay  and  officers  had  been 
invited  to  dine  with  the  inhabitants.  In  reply  to  a  compli- 
mentary toast,  Barclay  said,  "  I  expect  to  find  the  Yankee  brigs 
hard  and  fast  aground  on  the  bar  at  Erie  when  I  return  ;  in 
which  predicament  it  will  be  but  a  short  job  to  destroy  them." 
The  result  of  this  "  return  "  1  have  already  stated.  However, 
had  he  made  the  attempt,  he  would  have  found  it  more  of  a 
"  job  "  than  he  anticipated. 


CHAPTER    VII. 


;ed 

11 


/TAHE  whole  country  was  in  a  blaze  of  glory  over  the  victory 
J-  of  the  10th  of  September,  and  yet  Perry  was  deservhig  of 
full  as  much  credit  for  having  got  up  his  squadron  under  such 
unfavorable  circumstances.  Had  the  Government  placed 
the  operations  on  the  upper  lakes  under  a  separate  command, 
many  of  the  difficulties  would  have  been  obviated.  It  is  but 
natural  to  presume  that  Ghauncey  would  not  send  fidl  supplies 
from  Lake  Ontario,  unless  there  was  a  surplus  over  and  above 
3 


34 


HISTORY   OF   THE    BATTLE   OF   LAKE   ERIE. 


'$ 


H-<i 


a  sufficiency  to  fully  arm,  equip,  officer  and  man  his  own  im- 
mediate command ;  consequently  Perry  usually  received  but  a 
scanty  share.  And,  to  make  matters  worse,  seamen  on  the 
seaboard  were  averse  to  this  lake  service,  and  volunteering  was 
up-hill  business.  These  were  some  of  the  many  difficulties 
Perry  had  to  labor  under;  and  frequent  appeals  to  Ghauncey 
had  but  little  effect.  Although  but  twenty-seven  years  of  age, 
Perry  had  the  decision  of  character  and  promptness  to  act  of  a 
veteran — to  give  or  obey  an  order  was  imperative.  Of  a  sedate 
and  serious  turn  of  mind,  he  never  was  addicted  to  profanity 
or  light  levity ;  of  courteous  .ind  charitable  impulses,  his  de- 
portment was  such  as  to  command  respect  under  all  circum- 
stances. 

The  squadron  being  fully  armed  and  equiped,  but  only  about 
half  manned,  and  many  of  these  enlisted  from  the  militia,  and 
receiving,  almost  daily,  communications  from  the  Department 
and  General  Harrison  urging  him  to  move  and  co-operate  with 
Harrison,  and  those  from  the  Department  almost  amounting  to 
ccnswre,  his  state  of  mind  can  well  be  imagined.  Overworked 
in  both  body  and  mind,  it  is  astonishing  that  he  did  not  break 
down  under  his  troubles.  However,  he  was  determined  to 
do  his  duty  to  his  country,  and  make  the  best  of  the  circum- 
stances. 

It  was  now  ascertained  through  General  Porter,  of  Black 
Rock,  that  the  enemy  were  concentrating  a  force  at  Port  Dover 
or  Long  Point,  to  be  moved  by,  and  act  in  conjuction  with,  their 
squadron  in  a  move  upon  Erie.  However,  it  failed  for  the 
want  of  ?  sufficiency  of  troops  at  the  proper  time. 

Perry  determined  not  to  be  idle  while  waiting  for  officers 


m 


HISTORY    OF  THE    BATTLE   OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


35 


, 


and  men,  and  concluding  he  could  cope  with  the  enemy  before 
they  got  their  new  heavy  ship  out,  made  ready  to  sail  for  Long 
Point  and  the  Canada  shore  in  pursuit.  His  vessels  being  but 
half  manned,  he  got  a  supply  of  volunteers  from  the  army,  and 
sailed  at  four  o'clock  A.  M.  on  the  6th  of  August.  The  com- 
manders of  the  several  vessels  on  this  short  cruise  were  as 
follows,  viz :  "  Lawrence,"  (flagship)  Commodore  Perry  ;  "  Ni- 
agara," Lieutenant  Daniel  Turner ;  "  Caledonia,"  Purser  Hum- 
phrey Magrath;  "Ariel,"  Acting  Lieutenant  John  Packet; 
"Scorpion,"  Sailing  Master  Stephen  Champlin ;  "Somers," 
Sailing  Master  Thomas  Almy ;  "  Tigress,"  Master's  Mate  A. 
McDonald ;  "  Porcupine,"  Midshipman  George  Senat.  The 
"  Ohio  "  and  "  Trippe  "  were  left  behind  for  want  of  crews. 
Upon  reaching  Long  Point,  and  seeing  nothing  of  the  enemy, 
stood  for  the  mainland,  and  after  sweeping  the  coast  for  some 
distance  and  making  no  discoveries  returned  to  their  anchorage 
at  Erie  and  av/aited  the  expected  reinforcements. 

Immediately  preparations  were  made  for  another  cruise,  and 
during  the  7th  and  8th  provisions  and  stores  were  got  on  board. 
It  has  been  said  by  some  authors,  that  a  large  amount  of  mili- 
tary stores  for  General  Harrison's  army  at  Sandusky  were 
tiken  on  board.  Thir.  is  erroneous ;  there  were  but  little,  if  any 
such  at  Erie,  and  furthermore,  the  vessels  had  only  capacity 
for  their  own  supplies,  and  berth-deck  room  for  their  crews — 
to  say  nothing  of  their  expecting  to  meet  the  enemy  on  the 
cruise  up  the  Lakes ;  and  with  the  vessels  hampered  up  with 
extra  "stores,  of  course  their  efficiency  would  be  very  much 
decreased. 

Perry  now  hesitated  about  assuming  the  responsibility  of 


IP'I 


36 


HISTORY   OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


if 


encountering  the  enemy  with  his  vessels  but  half  manned, 
particularly  as  they  would  be  soon  reinforced  by  their  new  ship 
^'Detroit,"  ?.nd  was  discussing  the  matter  with  Purser  Hamilton 
at  his  lodgings  on  shore,  when  Midshipman  John  B.  Mont- 
gomery made  his  appearance  and  presented  him  a  letter  from 
Lieutenant  Jesse  D.  Elliot,  then  on  his  way  to  join  the  squadron 
with  a  number  of  officers  and  ninety  men.  This  was  joyful 
news  for  Ferry,  and  he  immediately  repaired  on  board,  to 
dispatch  the  "Ariel,"  Lieutenant  Packet,  down  the  coast  to 
meet  them  and  hasten  their  arrival.  The  "  Ariel "  returned 
on  the  10th,  and  the  officers  and  men  were  immediately  dis- 
tributed among  the  squadron.  They  proved  to  be  a  much 
superior  class  to  those  previously  recieved,  which  was  very 
gratifying  to  Perry.  Elliot  immediately  superseded  Turner  in 
command  of  the  "  Niagara.  " 

At  this  time  the  commissions,  which  had  been  made  out  for 
some  time,  were  received  via.  Commodore  Ghauncey.  By  these 
changes.  Elliot  became  Master-Commander,  (the  same  grade  as 
Peny)  Holdup,  Packett,  Yarnell,  Edwards,  and  Conkling,  were 
promoted  to  the  rank  of  Lieutenunt — they  having  been  previous- 
ly acting  as  such. 

Mr.  Dobbins,  who  had  been  actively  engaged  on  general  duty 
while  getting  the  vessels  over  the  bir,  v/as  now  ordered  to  the 
"  Ohio,"  to  "  get  her  over  the  bar  as  soon  as  possible,  and  to 
engige  three  good  pilots  immediately."  The  pilots  engaged 
wove  Azial  Wilkinson,  James  Lee,  and  one  other,  the  name  not 
remembered. 

The  squadron  now  being  ready  sailed  on  a  course  to  the 
head  of  the  lake  on  the  morning  of  the  12th  of  August,  and 


the 
and 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


37 


) 


consisted  of  the  following  vessels,  including  their  commanders 
and  armament,  viz :  "  Lav/rence,"  (flagship)  eighteen  32-pound 
canonades  and  two  long  12-pounders,  Commodore  O.  H.  Perry ; 
"Niagara,"  same  armament.  Captain  Jesse  D.  Elliot;  "Cale- 
donia," three  long  12-pounders,  Purser  Humphrey  Magrath 
"Ariel,"  four  long    12-pounders,  Lieutenant  John   Packett 
"  Trippe,"  one  long  32-pounder,  Lieutenant  Joseph  E.  Smith 
"  Tigress,"  one  long  32-pounder,  Lieutenant  A.  H.  M.  i  !onkling 
"Somers,"  one  long  24-pounder  and  one  long  l2-pounder, 
Sailing  Master  Thomas  C.  Almy ;  "  Scorpion,"  one  long  24- 
pounder  and  one  long  12-pounder,  Sailing  Master  Stephen 
Champlin  ;  "Ohio,"  one  long  24-pounder,  Sailing  Master  Daniel 
Dobbins ;   "  Porcupine,"  one   long    32-pounder,  Midshipman 
George  Senat.     The  order  of  sailing,  attack,  recognition  in  the 
^ight,  «fcc.,  was  fully  and  ingeniously  arranged,  much  to  the 
credit  of  so  young  a  commander. 

On  the  16th,  the  squadron  arrived  off  Cunningham's  (Kelly's) 
Island,  without  having  seen  or  heard  of  the  enemy.  The  wind 
was  ahead,  and  as  the  vessels  were  working  up  there  was  a 
small  schooner  discovered  coming  out  of  Put-in-Bay,  when 
the  "  Scorpion,"  being  a  fast  sailor,  gave  chase,  and  would  have 
captured  her,  but,  unfortunately,  grounded  on  a  reef  off  Mia«  "j 
Boss  Inland,  and  Ihe  little  craft  made  good  her  escape  to 
Cap  ;  She  proved  afterwards  to  be  the  "  Ottawa,"  pre- 
vioas^  r  ntured  at  Maumee,  and  was  cruising  among  the 
islands  to  ,/atch  the  motions  of  our  vessels. 

The  next  day  the  squadron  anchored  off  Sandusky,  and 
Perry  dispatched  an  officer  with  a  boot  to  Lower^Sandusky  to 
inform  General  Harrison  of  his  arrival  with  the  squadron.     On 


i  I 


38 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE   OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


the  day  following  the  General  and  staff,  including  Jolonels 
Cass,  McArthur  and  Gaines,  as  also  Major  Craghan,  and  some 
twenty  chiefs  of  the  Wyandotte,  Shawnee,  and  Delav/are 
Indians,  came  down.  Among  the  chiefs  were  Crane,  Blackfoot, 
Captain  Tommy,  and  others.  The  object  of  bringing  down 
the  Indians  was  that  they  might  see  the  "  big  canoes  "  and  the 
"  big  guns,"  and  then  report  to  those  of  their  tribes  who  had 
joined  the  enemy,  what  they  might  expect  when  a  fight 
took  place.  The  Indians  expressed  great  astonishment,  more 
particularly  when  the  salute  was  fired  in  honor  of  General 
Harrison's  visit.  After  due  consideration  it  was  agreed  to 
make  Put-in-Bay  the  present  rendezvous,  to  which  place  Perry 
moved  with  his  squadron  and  "^^^rrison  and  party  returned  to 
camp. 


CHAPTER    VIII. 


I»l 


ON  THE  25th,  Perry  got  underway  with  his  squadron  from 
Put-in-Bay,  and  stood  across  the  head  of  the  lake  for 
Maiden,  to  see  if  he  could  not  draw  the  enemy  out.  He  dis- 
covered them  at  anchor  inside  of  Bar  Point,  and  directly  in 
the  mouth  of  Detroit  River,  and  there  being  a  heavy  battery 
on  Bar  Point,  within  range,  he  concluded  it  to  be  not  practi- 
cable to  make  an  attack  at  this  time.  He  could  see  from  the 
offing  that  they  were  not  yet  reinforced  by  their  new  ship. 


HISTORY   OF   THE   BATTLE    OP   LAKE    ERIE. 


39 


At  this  juncture  much  sickness  was  in  the  squadron,  con- 
sisting of  bilious  fever,  dysentery,  and  chills  ;  those  mostly 
affected  were  from  the  seaboard.      The  change  from  salt  to 
fresh  water,  coupled  with  impure  salt  provisions  and  few  veg- 
\  etables,  was  fruitful  of  disease,  and   Perry  was  taken  down 

himself,  and  a  number  of  his  officers,  including  Surgeons  Bar- 
ton and  Parsons ;  the  latter,  with  honorable  self-devotion, 
continued  his  work,  though  he  had  to  be  carried  in  a  cot  to 
visit  the  sick.  ^ 

On  the  31st  the  f^quadron  received  a  welcome  reinforcement 
from  General  Harrison's  army,  in  the  way  of  fifty  volunteers, 
including  several  officers  and  one  doctor,  viz :  W.  T.  Taliaffero. 
They  were  mostly  from  Kentucky,  and  many  of  them  had  been 
boatmen  on  the  Western  rivers,  which,  as  "  watermen,"  gave 
them  a  slight  knowledge  of  the  duties  they  were  required  to 
perform.  They  were  immediately  distributed  throughout  the 
squadron  to  serve  as  "  marines,"  in  place  of  the  "  marine 
guard  "  which  had  been  promised  from  Lake  Ontario.  This 
brought  the  muster-roll  up  to  about  490,  all  told.  Great  atten- 
tion was  paid  to  drilling  the  men  in  their  various  duties,  and 
in  making  every  preparation  for  battle,  as  it  was  daily  antici- 
pated. Perry  became  convalescent  after  a  week's  confinement, 
and  was  able  to  take  the  deck  again,  and  got  the  squadron 
underway  for  a  second  visit  to  Maiden.  On  his  arrival  off  that 
place  he  found  they  had  their  new  ship  "Detroit"  fully 
equipped  and  at  anchor  with  the  rest  of  their  squadron.  Perry 
stood  off  and  on  all  day,  but  they  did  not  accept  his  banter,  so 
he  bore  away  for  Sandusky  again  to  communicate  with  Harri- 
son.   Upon  his  return  he  found  letters  from  the  Secretary  of 


40 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE   OF   LAKE   ERIE. 


the  Navy,  the  contents  of  which  were  a  source  of  mortification. 
It  appeared  the  frequent  calls  upon  Ghauncej  for  reinforce- 
ments had  prompted  that  officer  to  answer  with  a  pungent 
and  sarcastic  letter.  This  so  offended  Perry  that  he  applied  to 
be  "  detached  from  the  command  on  Lake  Erie  " — assigning  as 
a  reason  that  "  it  was  unpleasant  to  serve  under  a  commander 
who  had  so  little  regard  for  his  feelings,"  &c.  These  letters 
from  the  S  cretary,  though  rebuking  him  for  his  frequent  calls 
for  oflicers  and  men,  and  also  somewhat  censuring  him  for  what 
the  Department  deemed  "extravagant  expenditures,"  closed 
with  an  appeal  to  his  patriotism,  and  soothed  his  lacerated 
feelings  with  assurances  of  the  confidence  the  Department  repos- 
ed in  him,  and  at  the  same  counseled  conciliation  with  Ghauncey. 
On  the  same  day  he  answered  with  a  temperate  and  respectfu| 
reply,  vindicating  his  conduct  and  rebutting  the  charges 
brought  against  him ;  the  effect  of  which  was  to  not  only  sat- 
isfy the  Secretary,  but  finally  restored  kindly  relations  between 
Ghauncey  and  himself. 

Some  change  of  officers  now  took  place ;  Lieutenant  Smith 
was  ordered  to  the  "  Niagara,"  and  Lieutenant  Turner  to  the 
command  of  the  "  Galedonia,"  Magrath  to  the  ''  Niagara,"  in 
his  legitimate  capacity  as  Purser,  and  Lieutenant  Holdup  to 
the  command  of  the  "  Trippe."  Mr.  Dobbins  had  been  dis- 
patched to  Erie  for  supplies  and  armament,  as  per  the  follow- 
ing order: 


"U.  S.  S.  Lawrence,         1 
"  Off  Sandusky,  August  22d,  1813.      / 
"  Sir  : — You  will  proceed  with  the  "  Ohio  "  to  Erie  for  the 
purpose  of  taking  on  board  that  vessel  provisions  and  such 


HISTORY    OF   THE   BATTLE   OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


41 


the 
ich 


other  articles  as  are  mentioned  in  the  several  requisitions  you 
have  in  your  possession. 

''  You  v^^ill  use  every  exertion  to  return  to  this  place  v^^ith  all 
possible  speed ;  and  on  not  finding  the  squadron  at  this  place 
you  will  proceed  to  Put-in- Bay  and  there  await  our  arrival. 
"  Very  respectfully,  &c. 

"O.  H.  PERRY. 
"  Sailing  Master  Dobbins^  commanding  Schooner  '  Ohio.^  " 

The  following  signals  were  to  be  observed : 

"  Off  Sandusky,  August  22d,  1813. 
"  On  the  appearance  of  any  of  the  U.  S.  vessels  of  war  off 
this  place  she  will  hoist  her  ensign  at  the  main  masthead  and 
fire  a  gun.     After  an  interval  of  ten  minutes  she  will  fire  two 
guns. 

"O.  H.  PERRY. 
"  U.  S.  Sehooner,   Ohio:  " 

The  "  Ohio  "  returned  to  Sandusky  on  the  3d  of  September, 
without  meeting  with  any  of  the  enemy's  cruisers  or  other 
mishap,  and  was  immediately  dispatched  on  a  similar  trip,  as 
the  stock  of  provisions  was  small,  and  the  beef  not  fit  for  use. 
The  beef  and  poik  had  been  put  up  in  haste  by  the  contractors 
at  Erie,  and,  of  course,  carelessly,  consequently  it  had  nearly 
all  become  putrid  when  exposed  to  summer  weather.  (The 
"  Ohio  "  was  at  anchor  in  the  roadstead  at  Erie  taking  in  arma- 
ment and  stores  on  the  day  of  the  battle,  and  Mr.  Dobbins  dis- 
tinctly heard  the  cannonading.) 

The  season  being  too  far  advanced  for  a  lengthy  campaign, 
and  the  enemy's  squadron  showing  no  disposition  for  an  imme- 
diate encounter,  the  matter  was  canvassed  in  regard  to  making 
a  combined  attack  uood  Maiden  with  our  naval  and  military 


42 


HISTORY   OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


forces.  The  most  favored  project  was  to  transport  the  forces 
of  Harrison  to  one  of  the  islands  near  the  Canada  shore,  and 
from  thence,  transported  in  a  body,  via  the  vessels  of  the 
squadron,  including  boats,  to  some  point  in  Pigeon  Bay,  say 
twenty  miles  below  Maiden,  and  move  upon  that  post.  After 
landing  the  troops  the  squadron  was  to  stand  up  to  the  river 
and  attack  their  vessels  at  anchor,  provided  their  squadron  did 
not  previously  come  out  and  attack.  However,  the  project  was 
given  up  as  impracticable. 

At  this  time  three  men,  favorable  to  our  cause,  made  their 
escape  from  Maiden  and  communicated  to  Perry  much  valuable 
information,  viz :  That  the  forces  at  Maiden  were  very  short  of 
provisions  ;  and  that  a  council  of  military  and  naval  command- 
ers was  held,  and  determined  their  squadron  should  sail  and 
give  battle  to  ours  on  the  lake,  or  make  an  attempt  to  open 
communication  with  Long  Point,  their  depot  of  supplies.  These 
men  also  gave  information  in  regard  to  their  squadron,  arma- 
ment, &c.  Their  flagship,  "  Detroit,"  Commodore  Barclay,  was 
armed  with  nineteen  long  guns  ;  the  "  Queen  Charlotte,"  Cap- 
tain Finnis,  seventeen  carronades  ;  "  Lady  Provost,"  Lieutenant 
Commander  Buchan,  thirteen  long  guns  ;  brig  "  Hunter,"  Lieu- 
tenant Bignall,  ten  guns,  (mixed  armament;)  "Little  Belt," 
three  guns  ;  schooner  "  Chippewa,"  Master  Campbell,  one 
heavy  gun ;  with  32  officers  and  490  men,  including  troops 
serving  as  marines,  and  volunteers.  According  to  this  infor- 
mation the  number  of  officers  and  men  of  the  two  squadrons 
were  about  equal,  though  the  British  had  the  advantage  in  two 
respects,  viz :  their  soldiers  serving  as  marines  were  veterans^ 
and,  of  course,  superior  to  the  raw  troops  Perry  received  from 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF   LAKE    ERIE. 


43 


I 


Harrison's  army  and  obtained  at  Erie.  Secondly,  there  were 
over  one  hundred  on  the  sick  list  in  our  squadron  ;  whereas 
theirs  were  just  out  of  port,  and  all  in  health.  In  regard  to 
commanders  the  advantage  was  decidedly  with  the  British. 
Here  was  a  young  and  inexperienced  officer,  who  had  never 
been  in  even  a  single  engagement  ship  to  ship,  much  less 
squadron  against  squadron ;  in  fact,  had  never  seen  any  war 
service,  except  in  the  Mediterranean  during  the  Tripolitan  dis- 
turbance, when  a  midshipman ;  and  for  a  short  time  in  command 
of  a  flotilla  of  gunboats  at  Newport,  R.  I.  With  a  hastily  got 
up  squadron  and  armament — sickness  prevailing  among  the 
officers  and  crews  of  his  vessels,  and  himself  but  just  arisen 
from  a  bed  of  sickness — he  was  about  to  grapple  with  a  veteran 
who  had  served  with  distinction  under  the  world-wide  re- 
nowned Nelson  in  the  battle  of  Trafalgar,  as  also  in  several 
other  naval  combats ;  and  now  in  command  of  a  squadron 
which,  with  the  exception  of  one  ship  and  two  of  the  small 
vessels,  had  been  cruising  as  war  vessels  for  one  year  under 
Captain  Finnis,  an  experienced  officer,  and  now  second  under 
Barclay.  However,  the  gallant  young  Perry  somewhat  made 
up  for  his  want  of  experience  by  his  redoubtable  energy  and 
courage,  counseled  by  his  intuitive  wisdom.  Such  a  word  as 
fail  was  not  to  be  found  in  his  vocabulary. 

On  the  evening  of  the  9th  of  September,  as  the  squadron  lay 
at  anchor  in  Put-in-Bay,  Perry  summoned  his  commanders 
on  board  the  "  Lawrence  "  to  receive  their  final  instructions. 
He  claimed  the  honor  of  fighting  the  enemy's  flagship  with  the 
"  Lawrence  ;"  the  "  Niagara  "  was  allotted  the  "  Queen  Char- 
lotte," and  so  on.     He  also  showed  them  his  "  fighting  flag," 


44 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


ft' 


which  had  been  prepared  before  he  left  Erie,  and  on  which 
was  inscribed  the  last  words  of  the  gallant  and  lamented  Law- 
rence, "  Don't  give  up  the  Ship."  When  the  flolds  of  this  flag 
were  thrown  to  the  breeze  from  the  main  masthead  of  the 
"  Lawrence  "  it  was  the  signal  to  close  with  the  enemy.  He 
also  enjoined  upon  them  the  advice  of  Nelson  to  his  command- 
ers in  going  into  battle,  viz:  "If  you  lay  the  enemy  close 
alongside  you  can't  be  out  of  your  place."  These  officers  now 
returned  to  their  respective  vessels  to  reflect  upon  coming 
events,  and  the  duties  enjoined  upon  them  by  their  gallant 
young  chief. 

General  Harrison  had  stationed  a  few  companies  of  troops  at 
Put-in-Bay  to  guard  the  rendezvous,  as  also  to  render  assist- 
ance to  the  squadron  should  the  enemy  attempt  an  attack  with 
their  vessels,  and  troops  in  boats,  by  boarding  in  the  night 
whilst  ours  were  at  anchor  in  this  rather  small  haven.  The 
distance  from  Canada  being  but  about  forty  miles,  the  project 
was  considered  practicable  in  this  summer  weather  and  a  dark 
night,  with  a  moderate,  fair  wind. 


CHAPTER    IX. 


/TxHE  evening  of  the  9th  of  September  was  one  of  those 

-L  beautiful  Autumnal  evenings  peculiar  to  the  lake  region. 

The  moon  was  at  its  full ;  the  gentle  land  breeze  was  rippling 


HISTORY    OP   THE    BATTLE    OP    LAKE    ERIE. 


46 


the  waters  of  the  betiutiful  haven  and  rustling  the  leaves  of 
the  surrounding  forest.  Occasioi.ally  was  heard  the  hum  of 
voices  at  the  camp-fires  on  the  shore,  accompanied  by  the 
"peep  "  of  the  frogs  in  "  Squaw  Harbor,"  a  small  inlet  on  the 
west  side  of  Put-in-Bay ;  and  heaven  appeared  to  smile  upon 
those  here  gathered  for  the  deadly  strife  of  the  succeeding  day. 
The  officers  were  sauntering  around  the  quarter-deck,  enjoying 
social  converse,  or  canvassing  the  probable  result  of  the  coming 
battle,  which  they  knew  must  be  close  at  hand.  In  this  circle 
on  board  the  "  Lawrence  "  none  were  more  jovial  and  gay  than 
the  gifted  and  gallant  Brooks,  the  commander  of  marines  on 
board  the  "  Lawrence."  Ever  noted  for  his  genial  spirit  and 
social  qualities,  as  well  as  manly  beauty,  he  was  a  favorite 
wherever  he  went ;  and  yet,  alas  !  so  soon  to  be  sacrified  upon 
the  altar  of  his  country.  At  the  other  end  of  the  ship,  "Jack" 
was  also  enjoying  himself — seated  upon  a  gun-carriage,  hatch- 
combing  or  forecastle,  cracking  jokes,  spinning  yarns,  or  dis- 
cussing the  prospects  of  prize-money.  Shortly  the  scene  was 
changed — the  announcement,  "  eight  bells,"  followed  by  the 
sharp  note  of  the  boatswain's  call — "  All  hands  stand  by  your 
hammocks,"  given  in  that  deep  sonorous  voice  peculiar  to  his 
office — followed  by  the  shrill  fifo  and  rattling  drum  in  the 
tattoo  on  shore.  The  "  watch  below "  were  soon  quietly 
sleeping  in  their  hammocks — dreaming,  probably,  of  distant 
dear  ones,  and  quiet  homes  ;  or,  mayhap,  the  booming  of  can- 
non, and  slaughter  and  carnage  fretting  their  slumbers.  Alas  ! 
too  true ;  many  now  sleeping  so  quietly,  ere  the  same  hour  of 
the  succeeding  night,  their  mangled  bodies  would  be  resting 
upon  the  bottom  of  Lake  Erie,  wrapped  in  the  same  hammocks 


46 


HISTORY   OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


-.;  'i 

:  s 


they  were  now  enjoying  in  their  peaceful  slumbers.  This  is 
the  calm  before  the  storm — the  human  mind  at  rest  ere  it  is 
aroused  to  the  frenzy  of  strife.  Yes,  such  was  the  scene  at 
Put-in-Bay  the  night  before  the  battle. 

As  the  sun  rose  on  the  morning  of  the  10th,  "  sail,  ho  !"  was 
shouted  from  the  lookout  at  the  masthead  of  the  "  Lawrence.' ( 
"  Where  away  ?"  responded  Lieutenant  Forest,  the  officer  of 
the  deck.  "  To  the  northward  and  westward,  in  the  direction 
of  Detroit  River,"  replied  the  lookout.  The  news  was  imme- 
diately communicated  to  the  Commodore,  and  soon  all  were 
astir  on  board.  The  vessels  of  the  enemy  now  began  to  lift 
one  by  one  above  tlie  horizon,  until  six  were  counted.  Soon 
the  signal  "  Underway  to  get "  was  flying  from  the  main  mast- 
head of  the  "  Lawrence,"  and  in  half  an  hour  the  whole  squad- 
ron were  beating  out  of  the  narrow  passage,  with  the  wind 
light  from  the  southwest.  Rattlesnake  Island  lying  immedi- 
ately in  front.  Perry  was  endeavoring  to  weather  it,  and  thereby 
keep  the  weather  gauge.  Much  time  was  taken  up  in  this 
effort,  and  Perry,  becoming  impatient,  had  given  the  order  to 
"  bear  up  "  and  go  to  the  leeward  of  the  island,  as  he  was 
*'  determined  to  fight  the  enemy  that  day."  Suddenly  the 
wind  shifted  to  the  southeast,  which  enabled  them  to  clear  the 
island  to  windward,  which  secured  the  wind  of  the  enemy. 
About  this  time,  ten  o'clock  A.  M.,  the  enemy  seeing  our  squad- 
ron clearing  the  land,  hove-to  on  the  port  tack  with  their  heads 
to  the  westward,  the  squadrons  being  now  about  eight  miles 
apart. 

The  American  squadron  had  been  formed  with  the  •'  Niagara  " 
in  the  van,  as  it  was  expected  the  "  Queen  Charlotte  "  would 


HISTORY    OF    THE  BATTLE   OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


47 


:his 


11 


lead  thp  enemy.  It  was  now  discovered  their  line  was  formed 
differ.  /.  Perry  then  ordered  the  "Niagara"  to  heave-to 
until  the  "  Lawrence  "  came  up  with  her,  when  Perry  held  a 
conversation  with  Captain  Brevoort,  the  acting  marine  officer 
of  the  "  Niagara,"  who  was  well  acquainted  with  the  vessels  of 
the  enemy  and  their  armament,  all  except  the  "  Detroit,"  and 
gave  the  requisite  information.  The  line  of  the  enemy  was 
formed  as  follows,  viz :  the  schooner  "  Chippewa  "  in  the  lead  ; 
next,  their  flagohip  "Detroit;"  then  brig  "Queen  Charlotte  ;" 
then  brig  "  Hunter ;"  then  schooner  "  Lady  Provost ;"  the 
sloop  "  Little  Belt "  coming  last,  as  named,  in  close  order 
on-a-wind,  with  their  heads  to  the  westward 

Perry  now  changed  his  line — which  was  the  work  of  only  a 
few  moments — and  arranged  it  as  follows,  viz :  The  "  Law- 
rence "  to  lead  and  meet  the  "  Detroit,"  with  the  "  Scorpion  " 
and  "  Ariel  "  on  her  weather-bow — they  being  fast  sailing 
schooners — to  act  as  dispatch  vessels  to  cary  orders,  if  neces- 
sary, and  to  support  any  portion  of  the  line,  should  it  be  re- 
quired ;  the  brig  "  Caledonia  "  next,  to  meet  the  "  Hunter  ;" 
then  the  "  Niagara,"  to  meet  the  "  Queen  Charlotte ;"  the  other 
vessels,  viz :  Schooners  "  Somers,"  "  Porcupine,"  "  Tigress  "  and 
"  Trippe,"  in  line  as  named,  to  engage  as  they  came  up,  with- 
out naming  their  particular  opponents.  There  being  a  three- 
knot  breeze  at  this  time,  10:30  A.  M.,  and  the  line  being  formed 
they  all  bore  away  for  the  enemy  in  gallant  style.  Perry  now 
brought  forth  his  "  battle  flag,"  previously  named,  and  having 
mustered  the  crew  aft  on  board  the  "  Lawrence,"  unfolded  the 
flag,  and  mounting  a  gun-slide,  addressed  them :  "  My  brave 
lads,  the  inscription  on  this  flag  is  the  last  words  of  the  gallant 


48 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OP    LAKE    ERIE. 


Captain  Lawrence,  after  whom  this  vessel  is  named,  viz : 
*  Don't  give  up  the  Ship  P  shall  I  hoist  it  ?"  "  Aye,  yie,  sir," 
was  the  unanimous  response ;  when  away  it  sped  to  the  mast- 
head of  the  "  Lawrence,"  and  when  the  roll  was  broken  and 
the  folds  given  to  the  breeze  three  hearty  cheers  were  gi^'en  for 
the  flag  and  three  more  for  their  gallant  commander,  the  spirit 
of  which  was  taken  up  by  the  different  vessels  as  the  flag  was 
descried,  and  one  continuous  cheer  along  the  line  was  the 
response  to  the  motto,  "  DonH  give  up  the  Ship  /"  As  the 
ordinary  dinner  hour  would  find  them  in  the  midst  of  deadly 
strife,  Perry  ordered  the  noon-day  grog  to  be  served,  when  the 
bread  bags  and  kids  were  produced  for  lunch.  Perry  now 
visited  every  portion  of  the  deck,  examining  every  gun  and 
fixture.  For  every  one  he  had  a  pleasant  word  of  encourage- 
ment ;  for  the  Constitutions,  the  New  Porters,  the  hunting 
skirted  Kentuckian,  th^  gallant  boys  from  the  Keystone  State, 
&c.,  each  were  kmdly  and  encouragingly  greeted. 

For  a  time  a  death-like  silence  prevailed,  and  the  approach- 
ing warriors  appeared  to  be  absorbed  in  thought.  The  lake 
was  smooth,  and  the  '?v.ntle  breeze  wafted  the  vessels  along 
without  apparent  motion.  This  lasted  for  an  hour  and  a  half, 
as  our  squadron  gallantly  approached  the  enemy,  steering  for 
the  head  of  their  line,  on  a  course  forming  an  acute  angle  of 
fifteen  degrees.  All  necessary  arrangements  had  been  made 
for  the  coming  strife ;  the  docks  had  been  sprinkled  with  sand 
to  give  a  foot-hold  when  blood  began  to  flow,  and  the  stillness 
of  this  huur  was  occupied  moLt.y  in  arranging  and  interchang- 
ing of  friendship  offerings  to  be  sent  to  friends  in  case  of  death, 
and  such  kindly  offices  for  the  survivors  to  execute. 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE   OF    LAKS    ERIE. 


49 


CHAPTER    X. 


alf, 

for 

I  of 

ade 

and 

less 

ing- 

(ath, 


S  OUR  vessels  gradually  approached  the  enemy  in  the 
-light  breeze,  it  reminded  one  of  two  gladiators  in  the 
arena,  the  one  standing  at  bay  in  his  allotted  position  awaiting 
the  approach  of  his  antagonist,  as  the  latter  gradually  moved 
up  to  the  combat.  The  British  vessels  presented  a  fine  ap- 
pearance ;  their  line  was  compact  as  they  lay  hove-to  with 
their  heads  to  the  westward,  their  newly  painted  sides,  white 
sails,  and  bright  red  ensigns,  as  they  tended  to  the  breeze  in 
the  glowing  September  sun.  Their  mov  ments  and  condition 
showed  that  a  seaman  and  master-spirit  held  them  in  hand. 

At  half-past  eleven  A.  M.  the  wind  had  become  very  light, 
though  our  leading  vessels  were  all  u^  in  their  stations,  viz : 
Within  halfcable's-length  of  each  other,  but  the  gunboats 
were  sofxiewhf^t  distant  and  scattered.  The  "  Trippe,"  the  last 
of  the  line,  was  nearly  two  miles  astern,  in  consequence  of 
being  a  poor  sailor,  particularly  in  a  light  wind,  and  yet  her 
gallant  commander.  Lieutenant  Holdup,  was  using  sweeps  and 
other  means  of  getting  his  vessel  up  into  her  station. 

At  a  quarter  before  twelve  M.  the  mellow  sound  of  a  bugle 
was  heard  from  the  "  Detroit " — the  signal  for  cheers  along 
their  line,  and  which  was  followed  by  '*  Rule  Brittania"  from 
theii  band.  Directly  a  shot  from  one  of  the  "  Detroit's  "  long 
guns  was  thrown  at  the  "  Lawrence,"  but  fell  short,  t'.ie  dis- 
tance being  about  a  mile  and  a  half.  Thu.s  the  Juiig  silence 
was  broken.     A  few  miuules  later  a  second  shot  was  sent 

from  the  "  Detroit,"  which  took  effect  upon  the  ''  Lawrence," 
J 


i^   v 


50 


HISTORY    OF    THE   BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


when  a  fire  was  opened  with  all  their  long  guns  upon  the 
"Lawrence;"  their  line  being  in  compact  order,  they  were  all 
within  range  of  that  vessel  and  the  two  schooners.  Perry  now 
ordered  Lieutenant  Yarnall  (the  executive  officer)  to  hail  the 
"  Scorpion  "  and  order  her  to  commence  firing  with  her  heavy 
gun.  The  order  was  instantly  complied  with  by  Mr.  Ghamplin, 
and  was  soon  followed  with  a  shot  from  the  "Ariel."  Perry 
finding  these  shots  took  effect,  the  "  Lawrence  "  opened  with 
her  chase  gun  forward,  which  was  followed  by  a  discharge  from 
the  "  Caledonia."  The  long  guns  of  the  enemy  began  to  tell 
heavily  upon  the  "  Lawrence,"  when  Perry  brought  her  by  the 
wind,  and  tried  a  division  of  the  carronades ;  it  was  at  once 
discovered  the  shot  fell  short.  At  this  moment  Elliot  ordered 
the  "  Caledonia  "  to  bear-up  and  make  room  for  the  "  Niagara  " 
to  pass  to  the  assistance  of  the  "  Lawrence  "  Perry  now  bore 
up  and  ran  down  to  within  half-musket  shot  of  the  "  Detroit," 
when  he  brought  his  vessel  by  the  wind  on  the  port  tack,  with 
her  maintopsail  aback,  and  commenced  with  her  broadside 
battery  in  good  earnest.  The  "  Caledonia "  having  followed 
the  "  Lawrence,"  was  closely  engaged  with  the  "  Lady  Piovost " 
— the  "  Scorpion  "  and  "  Ariel "  having  followed  the  "  Law- 
rence," and  keeping  their  places  on  her  weather-bow,  were 
using  their  heavy  guns  to  good  advantage.  The  "  Niagara," 
however,  instead  of  following  the  "Lawrence"  into  close  action, 
kept  her  wind  with  her  maintopsail  aback,  using  her  two  long 
12's,  being  completely  out  of  range  with  the  carronades,  her 
broadside  battery ;  consequently  the  battle,  for  a  time,  was  main- 
ly by  the  "Lawrence,"  "Caledonia,"  "Scorpion,"  and  "Ariel" 
fighting  the  whole  British  squadron,  assisted  only  by  the  two 


m  the 
ire  all 
y  now 
lil  the 
heavy 
mplin, 
Perry 
1  with 
e  from 
to  tell 
by  the 
t  once 
rdered 
igara  " 
^v  bore 
troil," 
,  with 
)adside 
lowed 
Dvost " 
Law- 
were 
pgara," 
action, 
^0  long 
es,  her 
main- 
Ariel" 
le  two 


K 


HISTORY    OF    THE   BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


51 


long  12's  of  the  "  Niagara,"  and  the  distant  random  shots  from 
the  headmost  gunboats. 

At  this  juncture  the  "Queen  Charlotte"  finding  her  24-pound 
carronades  (her  broadside  battery)  would  not  reach  the  "  Ni- 
agara," ordered  the  ''  Hunter "  to  make  room  for  her  to  pass 
and  close  with  the  "  Detriot,' from  which  position  she  could 
use  her  short  guns  to  advantage  upon  the  "  Lawrence."  In 
this  situation  the  "  Lawrence  "  sustained  the  fire  of  these  two 
heavy  vessels,  as  also  random  shots  from  the  others,  for  over 
two  hours,  and  until  every  gun  was  dismounted,  two-thirds  of 
her  crew  either  killed  or  wounded,  and  so  badly  cut  up  aloft 
as  to  be  unmanageable.  The  gallant  Perry  finding  he  could 
do  nothing  more  with  the  "  Lawrence,"  ordered  the  only  boat 
left  him  alongside,  and  leaving  Lieutenant  Yarnall  to  surrender 
her  to  tlie  enemy,  should  it  become  necessary,  took  his  "  fight- 
ing flag "  under  his  arm  and  pulled  for  the  "  Niagara,"  then 
passing  thr  "Lawrence's"  weather-beam  on  a  Wind,  to  gain 
the  head  of  the  enemy's  line.  In  the  meantime,  the  enemy 
seeing  they  had  rendered  the  "Lawrence"  "Aors  du  combat^^^ 
and  in  the  act  of  striking  her  colors,  filled  away  with  their 
heads  to  the  westward — cheering  along  their  line,  and  feeling 
certain  the  day  would  be  theirs — the  whi  '<Mnpcrar:'y  repair- 
ing damages,  evidenth  designing  to  get  their  v<  -se'  upon  the 
other  tack,  and  gaining  the  weather  gauge,  or,  if  nc'  that,  t' 
get  room  to  wear  and  thereby  bring  their  starboard  sides  (which 
were  comparatively  fresh)  to  bear  upon  our  vessels. 

Perry,  on  reaching  the  "  Niagara,"  was  met  at  the  gangway 
by  Elliot.  It  is  claimed  by  some  of  the  officers  of  the  "  Niag- 
ara "  that  he  spoke  somewhat  despondently,  and  mirch  out  , . 
humor  at  the  gunboats  not  getting  up  in  time. 


52 


HISTORY    OF    THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


Elliot  spoke  encouragingly,  and,  anticipating  Perry's  wish, 
offered  to  take  the  boat,  pull  astern,  and  bring  the  gunboats  up 
into  close  action,  which  proposition  was  thankfully  accepted  by 
Perry,  and  Elliot  immediately  started  upon  his  mission.  A 
breeze  at  this  time  (quarter  past  two  P.  M.)  springing  up,  both 
squadrons  gradually  drew  ahead — the  "Lawrence"  dropping 
out  of  the  line.  By  apparent  consent  of  both  parties  there 
was  a  general  cessation  of  firing,  and,  as  it  would  appear,  both 
preparing  for  the  desperate  and  final  struggle.  Under  the 
freshering  breeze  the  "  Niagara ''  had  obtained  a  commanding 
position  abreast  the  "  Detroit,"  with  the  "  Queen  Charlotte  " 
following  immediately  in  the  wake  of  Ihat  vessel.  The  gun- 
boats, in  the  meantime,  by  using  every  exertion  and  with  the 
freshening  breeze,  w^ere  getting  up  within  range  with  their  heavy 
guns,  using  round  shot  and  grape  upon  the  enemy's  two  heavy 
vessels,  having  been  ordered  to  cease  firing  upon  the  smaller 
ones  by  Elliot,  and  he  taking  command  of  the  '"  Somers,"  th^ 
headmost  one,  himself. 

At  forty-five  minutes  past  two,  the  gunboats  being  well  up, 
the  "^Caledonia"  in  good  position  on  the  "Niagara's"  Icc- 
quarter,  and  all  ready  for  a  final  effort,  Perry  showed  the  signal 
for  ^^  close  action''''  from  the  "Niagara,"  then  under  fore  and 
main  topsails,  top  gallantsails,  foresail,  jib,  and  fore  and  aft 
mainsail,  bore  up  for  the  enemy's  line.  The  enemy,  in  the 
meantime,  having  discovered  the  intention  of  Perry,  viz :  to 
break  through  their  line^  the  "  Detroit "  bore  up  to  prevent  being 
raked,  and  the  "  Queen  Charlotte "  attempted  to  pass  the 
"  Detroit "  to  leeward  and  meet  the  "  Niagara  "  broadside-on 
after  she  h'ad  passed  through  their  line,  the  "Detroit"  to  follow. 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE   OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


53 


and  cro.ss  her  stern.  However,  the  "  Niagara  "  came  down  so 
rapidly,  and  reserving  her  lire  until  she  got  close  aboard,  jibed 
over  the  fore  and  aft  mainsail,  and  bailed  it  up,  and  when  she 
got  abreast  of  the  "  Detroit,''  gave  her  and  the  "  Queen  Char- 
lotte "  the  starboard  broadside  at  half  pistol  shot,  and  poured 
the  port  broadside  into  the  "  Lady  Provost "  and  "  Chippewa." 
So  rapid  was  the  movements  of  the  "  Niagara "  they  were 
taken  unawares ;  the  "  Queen  Charlotte  "  did  not  take  room 
enough  to  pay  off,  consequently  got  becalmed  under  the  lee  of 
the  "  Detroit,"  which  vessel,  in  bearing  up  to  prevent  being 
raked,  fell  athwart  the  bows  of  the  "  Queen  Charlotte  "  and 
louled  with  her.  In  this  predicament  they  received  the  broad- 
side of  the  ''Niagara,"  as  also  a  heavy  fire  from  the  "  Cale- 
donia," which  vessel  had  followed  the  "  Niagara"  down  through 
the  enemy's  line.  In  the  meantime  the  gunboats  were  seri- 
ously cutting  them  up  with  their  long  heavy  guns  at  close  range. 
Aft.er  passing  through  the  line  the  "  Niagara  "  rounded-to  on 
the  starboard  tack  under  their  lee,  with  her  main  topsail  aback, 
and  kept  pouring  broadside  after  broadside  into  these  two 
entangled  vessels.  So  fierce  was  this  closing  contest,  and  the 
destruction  so  great  on  board  these  two  vessels  in  particular, 
that  in  fifteen  minutes  from  the  time  the  "  Niagara  "  bore  up, 
an  officer  appeared  on  the  taft'-rail  of  the  ''  Queen  Charlotte  " 
with  a  white  handkerchief  fastened  to  a  boarding-pike,  and 
waved  it  as  a  symbol  of  submission — they  had  struck — the 
"Detroit"  followed,  the  hail  was  passed  from  vessel  to  vessel 
and  the  firing  ceased.  Two  of  their  smaller  vessels  attempted 
to  escape,  but  were  promptly  pursued  and  brought  back  by 
the  "Scorpion  "  and  "Trippe." 


54 


HISTORY   OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


CHAPTER    XI. 


SOON  as  the  smoke  cleared  away  the  two  squadrons 
-were  found  to  be  intermingled.  The  "  Niagara  "  lay  close 
under  the  lee  of  the  "  Detroit,''  "  Queen  Charlotte,"  and 
"  Hunter  ;"  the  "  Caledenia,"  "  Trippe,"  and  "  Scorpion  "  near 
the  "  Niagara,"  having  followed  that  vessel  through  the  enemy's 
line  ;  the  "  Lady  Provost "  and  "  Chippewa  "  a  little  distance 
to  the  westward,  with  the  "  Somers,"  "  Tigress,"  and  "  Porcu- 
pine "  abreast  of  the  "  Hunter ;"  the  shattered  and  glorious 
"  Lawrence  "  was  drifting  with  the  wind  some  distance  to  the 
eastward.  Like  a  wounded  warrior,  who  had  fallen  in  the 
thickest  of  the  fight,  she  could  only  look  at  the  victorious  result 
she  had  suffered  in  achieving.  At  the  shout  of  victory  her 
flag  was  again  hoisted  by  the  remaining  heroes  upon  her  bloody 
deck,  there  forever  to  remain. 

At  this  juncture  the  gallant  Perry  wrote  his  laconic  notes  to 
General  Harrison,  and  Hon.  Wm.  Jones,  the  Secretary  of  the 
Navy,  using  the  back  of  an  old  letter  for  his  note  to  the  Gen- 
eral, and  the  blank  leaf  in  that  to  the  Secretary,  with  the  top 
of  his  navy  cap  to  write  upon.     They  were  as  follows,  viz:    - 

"  U.  S.  S.  "  Niagara,"  Sept.  10th— 4  P.  M. 
"  Dear  Gen'l  : — Aye  have  met  the  enemy  and  they  are  ours  ; 
two  ships,  two  brigs,  one  schooner,  and  one  sloop. 
"  Yours,  with  great  respect  and  esteem, 

"0.  H.  PERRY." 

A  few  moments  later,  and  after  reflecting  upon  his  wonder- 
ful preservation  amid  such  carnage  and  destruction,  the  good- 


HISTORY    OF   TH];;    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


55 


ness  of  that  power  who  controls  all  things,  he  wrote  to  the 
Secretary,  viz : 

"  U.  S.  Brig  "  Niagara,"  Off  the  West  Sister,  ) 

"  Head  of  Lake  Erie,  Sept.  10th,  1813—4  P.  M.  / 
"  Sir  : — It  has  pleased  the  Almighty  to  give  to  the  arms  of 
the  United  States  a  signal  victory  over  their  enemies  on  this 
lake.  The  British  squadron,  consisting  of  two  ships,  two  brigs, 
one  schooner,  and  one  sloop,  have  this  moment  surrendered 
to  the  force  under  my  command,  after  a  sh^rp  conflict. 
.    "  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir, 

"  Very  respectfully  your  obedient  servant, 

"0.  H.  PERRY." 

These  hasty,  yet  admirably  worded,  dispatches  were  imme- 
diately sent,  via  schooner,  to  the  mouth  of  Portage  River, 
then  the  headquarters  of  Harrison,  and  distant  some  twelve 
miles. 

Now  was  to  be  performed  the  proud  but  melancholy  duty  of 
taking  possession  of  the  captured  vessels.  On  board  the  ''  De- 
troit "  Commodore  Barclay  was  found  to  be  severely  wounded, 
her  First  Lieutenant,  Garland,  mortally,  as  also  Purser  Hoff- 
meister,  severely.  On  board  the  "  Queen  Charlotte,"  Captain 
Finnis,  her  commander,  and  Lieutenant  Gordon,  of  the  marines, 
were  killed,  with  First  Lieutenant  Stokes  and  Midshipman 
Foster  wounded.  On  board  the  "  Lady  Provost,"  Lieutenant 
Commandant  Bignall  and  Master's  Mate  Gateshill  were 
wounded.  On  board  the  "  Chippewa,"  Master's  Mate  Gamp- 
bell,  commanding,  was  slightly  wounded.  The  "  Little  Belt  " 
had  little  or  no  casualties.  The  "  Detroit "  and  "  Queen  Char- 
lotte "  were  much  shattered  in  their  hulls,  as  also  badly  cut  up 
aloft;    and  the  "Lady  Provost"  had  her  rudder  shot  away. 


56 


HISTORY    OF   THE   BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


Otherwise  their  smaller  vessels  were  not  materially  injured. 
The  list  of  killed  and  wounded  on  board  each  vessel  was  never 
given  to  the  public,  only  in  sum  total,  viz :  forty-one  killed  and 
ninety-lour  wounded,  as  per  Commodore  Barclay's  report  to 
Sir  James  Yeo. 

Let  us  now  leave  the  enemy's  vessels  and  count  the  casual- 
ties in  our  own  squadron.  On  board  the  "  Lawrence  "  there 
were  killed :  John  Brooks,  lieutenant  commanding  marines ; 
Henry  Laub,  midshipman ;  Christian  Mayhen,  quartermaster ;. 
John  W.  Allen,  Joseph  Kennedy,  John  Smith,  Andrew  Michael, 
Charles  Pohig,  Nelson  Peters,  James  Jones,  John  Rose,  Thomas 
Butler,  and  James  Brown,  seamen ;  James  Cayst,  sailmaker's 
mate  ;  Wm.  Mays,  carpenter's  mate  ;  Philip  Sharpley,  corporal 
marines  ;  Wm.  Cranston  and  John  Hoffman,  ordinary  seamen  ; 
Ethired  *Sykes,  landsman  ;  John  C.  Kelly,  private  in  Kentucky 
volunteers  ;  Jesse  Harland  and  Abner  Williams,  privates  of 
marines — 22. 

Wounded — John  L.  Yarnall,  1st  lieutenant ;  Dulaney  Forest, 
2d  lieutenant ;  W.  V.  Taylor,  sailing  master  ;  Samuel  Hamilton, 
purser ;  Thomas  Claxton  and  Adjutant  Swartwout,  midship- 
men ;  Jonas  Stone,  carpenter ;  Wm.  C.  Kean,  master-at-arms  ; 
Francis  Mason,  John  Newen,  Joseph  Lewis,  and  Ezekiel  Fowler, 
quartermasters;  John  E.  Brown  and  James  Helan,  quarter- 
gunners  ;  Geo.  Cornell,  carpenter's  mate  ;  Wm.  Johnson,  boat- 
swain's mate;  Thomas  Hammond,  armorer;  Wm.  Thompson, 
Geo.  Varnum,  James  Moses,  Wm.  Roe,  Joseph  Deming,  Wm. 
Daring,  John  Clay,  Stephen  Fairfield,  Geo.  Williams,  Lannan 
Huse,  James  Waddington.  John  Burnham,  John  Burdeen,  and 
Andrew    Mattison,   seamen ;    Jeremiah    Easterbrook,    Henry 


!"  "' 


i!i 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


57 


Schroder,  Benone  Price,  Thos,  Robinson,  Peter  Kinsley,  Na- 
than Chapman,  Thos.  Hill,  Barney  McGlair,  Wm.  Dawson, 
Westerly  Johnson,  Samuel  Spywood,  Robert  Hill,  Francis 
Gummings,  Thos.  Reed,  Charles  Vandyke,  Wm.  Simpson,  Jesse 
Williams,  and  James  Hadley,  ordinary  seamen ;  James  Bird, 
sergeant  marines ;  Wm.  Burnett,  Wm.  Baggs,  David  Christy, 
Henry  Vandoo,  marines ;  Thos.  Triff,  Elijah  Partin,  John 
Adams,  Charles  Harrington,  and  Wm.  B.  Perkins,  landsmen  ; 
Nathaniel  Wade  and  Newport  Hazard,  boys — 61.  (On  the 
morning  of  the  battle  the  sick  list  of  the  "  Lawrence  "  num- 
bered thirty-one  unfit  for  duty.) 

On  board  of  tha  "Niagara"  the  killed  were,  Peter  Morce, 
seaman  ;  Isaac  Hardy,  ordinary  seaman — 2.  Wounded,  John 
J.  Edwards,  1st  lieutenant ;  Acting  Master  Webster ;  John  C. 
Gummings,  midshipman ;  John  Filton,  boatswain's  mate  ;  Ed- 
ward Martin,  George  Piatt,  Henry  Davidson,  James  Lansford, 
Thos.  Wilson,  Charles  Davidson,  Daniel  Bennett,  seamen ; 
Wm.  Davis,  Ronvell  Hall,  Elias  Wiley,  John  M.  Stribuck,  or- 
dinary seamen ;  Mason,  sergeant  marines  ;  Scott, 

corporal  marines  ;  Joshua  Trapnill,  Thos.  Miller,  John  Rumas, 
Geo.  McManomy,  George  Scoffield,  and  Samuel  Cochran,  ma- 
rines— 23.  (On  the  morning  of  the  battle  the  sick  list  of  the 
"  Niagara"  contained  twenty-eight  unfit  for  duty.) 

On  board  the  "Caledonia,"  none  killed.  Wounded,  James 
Artis,  Isaac  Perkins,  James  Phillips — 3. 

On  board  the  "  Somers,"  none  killed.  Wounded,  Charles 
Ordeen  and  Godfrey  Bowman — 2. 

On  board  the  "Ariel,"  killed,  John  White,  boatswain's  mate 


58 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


— 1.  Wounded,  Wm.  Sloss,  Robert  Wilson,  seamen  ;  John 
Lucas,  landsman. 

On  board  the  "  Trippe,''  nono  killed.  Wounded,  Isaac 
Green,  soldier,  acting  marine. 

On  board  the  "  Scorpion,"  killed,  John  Clark,  midshipman  ; 
John  Sylhammer,  landsman — 2. 

Onboard  the  ''Porcupine"  and  "  Tigress,"  none  killed  or 
wounded. 

About  four  P.  M.  a  boat  was  seen  approaching  the  '*"  Law- 
rence "  and  Perry  recognized  in  it.  He  was  now  returning  to 
his  shattered  and  helpless  ship  to  meet  the  remnant  of  her  gal- 
lant crew  in  this  hour  of  victory,  and  that  they  should  be  wit- 
nesses of  the  formal  surrender.  Dr.  Parsons  says  :  '*  Those  of 
us  who  were  spared,  and  were  able  to  walk,  met  him  at  the 
gangway  to  welcome  him  on  board ;  but  the  salutation  was  a 
silent  one — not  a  word  could  find  utterance." 

"  The  battle  o'er,  the  victory  won,"  all  offered  up  a  silent 
prayer  for  the  miraculous  escape  from  injury  of  their  gallant 
young  chieftain  ;  and  himself  claiming,  in  a  conversation  with 
Purser  Hamilton,  that  he  "  believed  the  prayers  of  liis  wife  had 
saved  him." 

During  the  day  Perry  had  worn  a  round-jacket ;  he  now 
resumed  his  undress  uniform  to  receive  the  officers  of  the 
captured  vessels  in  tendering  their  swords,  as  a  formal  sub- 
mission. In  coming  on  board  they  picked  their  way  among 
the  carnage  and  wreck,  and,  on  approaching  Perry,  presented 
their  swords.  Perry,  in  a  bland  and  low  tone,  requested  them 
to  "  retain  their  side  arms."  Lieutenant  O'Keefe,  of  the  Forty- 
first  Royal  Regiment,  was  charged  by  Commodore  Barclay  with 


HISTORY   OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


59 


the  delivery  of  his  sword.  It  was  said  he  presented  a  fine 
appearance,  being  a  large,  finely  formed  man,  and  in  full  dress. 
Perry  then  inquired,  with  deep  concern,  in  regard  to  the  con- 
dition of  Commodore  Barclay  and  the  other  wounded  officers, 
and  tendered  every  assistance  within  his  reach.  In  the  course 
of  the  evening  Perry  visited  Barclay  on  board  the  "  Detroit," 
and  tendered  him  every  sympathy ;  also  promised  to  assist  in 
procuring  an  early  parole,  as  Barclay  was  anxious  to  return  to 
England  as  soon  is  possible  on  account  of  his  health. 


CHAPTER    XII. 


TT  being  deemed  inadvisable  to  try  and  save  the  killed  for 
J-burial  on  shore — more  particularly  those  on  board  the 
"  Lawrence  "—at  nightfall  they  were  all  lashed  up  in  their 
hammocks,  with  a  32-pound  shot  for  a  companion  to  anchor 
them  on  the  bottom  of  the  lake ;  the  surviving  officers  and  men 
gathered  around  as  witnesses  to  the  solemn  scene  ;  the  burial 
service  of  the  Episcopal  Church  read  by  the  chaplain,  "  Ashes 
to  ashes,  dust  to  dust,"  when 

Down,  down,  they  sank,  without  a  knell. 

Yet  in  their  country's  cause  they  fell. 
Such  was  the  burial  of  the  foremast  Jacks  who  fell  on  the 
10th  of  September.     Those  on  the  larger  vessels  of  the  enemy 
were  thrown  overboard  as  fast  as  they  were  killed,  though  not 


60 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE   OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


SO  with  the  smaller ;  those  remaining  were  buried  with  ours. 
As  the  mellow  rays  of  the  Autumnal  sunset  were  radiating  from 
the  western  horizon,  the  blue  waters  of  Lake  Erie  closed  over 
the  remains  of  these  gallant  sons  of  Neptune  and  Mars,  whom, 
but  a  few  hours  before,  were  hurling  defiance  and  destruction 
at  each  other,  but  now  hushed  in  death  and  everlasting  peace, 
their  spirits  in  the  presence  of  their  God.  The  remains  of  the 
officers  were  reserved  for  burial  on  shore. 

The  night  of  the  10th  of  September,  1813,  was  ever  vividly 
remembered  by  the  survivors  of  both  squadrons  as  the  vessels  lay 
intermingled  at  anchor  in  the  open  lake.  The  boomingof  cannon, 
the  crash  of  timbers,  and  slaughter  of  human  beings  had 
ceased  ;  but  the  dreadful  havoc  remained.  The  stern  order  of 
the  officer,  and  prompt  response  of  the  subordinate,  in  looking 
after  the  safety  of  the  vessels  was  blended  with  the  groans  of 
the  wounded.  The  honor  of  the  two  nations  had  been  vindi- 
cated by  the  slaughter  of  their  devoted  sons,  the  wounded  of 
whom  were  now  endeavoring  to  soothe  and  comfort  each  other 
in  their  affliction. 

On  the  morning  of  the  11th  Perry  removed  his  flag  to  the 
schooner  "  Ariel,"  intending  to  make  her  the  flagship  for  the 
present,  the  "  Lawrence  "  being  a  complete  wreck.  At  nine 
A.  M.  the  signal  was  made  to  "  weigh  anchor,"  and  the  squad- 
rons sailed  for  Put-in-Bay,  where  they  arrived  about  noon  and 
anchored,  when  every  effort  was  made  to  keep  some  of  the 
worst  injured  from  sinking  and  secure  the  wounded  masts. 
Preparations  were  now  made  for  the  burial  of  the  fallen  offi- 
cers, which  was  to  take  place  on  the  following  morning. 

The  morning  of  the  12th  (Sunday)  was  clear  and  calm — 


HISTORY    OF    THE    BATTLE   OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


61 


emblematic  of  the  day  and  the  solemn  duties  they  were  about 
to  perform — the  calm  after  the  storm.  At  ten  A.  M.,  the  colors 
of  both  nations  bein^^  at  half-mast  and  all  things  ready,  the 
bodies  were  lowered  into  boats,  and  then,  with  measured  stroke 
and  funeral  dirge,  moved  in  line  to  the  shore,  the  while  minute 
guns  being  fired  alternately  from  the  *'  Lawrence  "  and  ''  De- 
troit." On  landing  the  procession  was  formed  in  reverse  order, 
the  corpse  of  the  youngest  and  lowest  in  rank  first,  and  so  on, 
alternately  American  and  British,  the  body  of  Captain  Finnis 
coming  last.  As  soon  as  the  corpses  were  taken  up  by  the 
bearers  and  moved  on,  the  officers  fell  into  line,  two  American 
and  two  British,  and  marched  to  the  solemn  music  of  the  bands 
of  both  squadrons.  On  reaching  the  spot  where  the  graves 
were  prepared  they  were  lowered  into  the  earth  in  the  order  in 
which  they  had  been  borne,  and  the  beautiful  and  solemn 
burial  service  of  the  Episcopal  Church  rendered  by  the  cnap- 
lains  of  the  respective  squadrons  :  "  Earth  to  earth,  ashes  to 
ashes — looking  for  the  general  resurrection  in  the  last  day.*' 
The  volley  of  musketry  followed,  and  all  was  over;  the  heroes 
were  at  rest. 

0,  cruel  Mars,  thou  wicked  God ! — many  a  husbandless, 
fatherless,  brotherless,  and  sonless  family  hath  thy  votaries 
made  in  their  devotion  to  thy  cause — their  adhesion  to  thy 
bloody  motto,^"  Seek  the  bubble  imputation  at  the  cannon\s  mouth.'' ^ 
What  a  time  for  serious  reflection  ?  Why  is  it  that  christian 
nations  will  still  insist  upon  settling  their  difficulties  by  a  resort 
to  arms,  as  the  only  healing  balm  for  wounded  honor— too 
often  only  imaginary  ?  Here  were  men,  scions  of  Ihe  same 
stock,  speaking  the  same  language,  worshipping  at  the  same 


62 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE   OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


altar — men  whom  would  be  like  brothers  under  different  cir- 
cumstances— meeting  each  other  in  deadly  strife;  in  the  most 
savage  manner  hastening  to  destroy  each  other,  and  all  without 
animosity,  save  in  the  frenzy  of  battle ;  and  when  the  carnage 
is  complete — the  strife  ended — taking  each  other  by  tjie  hand, 
and  in  a  spirit  of  kindness  and  sympathy  rendering  every  aid 
in  their  power  to  heal,  soothe,  and  comfort  the  unfortunate 
victims  of  their  deadly  work.  But  still  raore  is  to  be  said  in 
regard  to  this  strife.  V/h^t  but  a  disagreement  between  a  pas- 
sionate and  aust'^re  mother  and  her  perverse  daughter,  the 
latter  having  left  the  old  homestead  and  taken  a  house  to  her- 
self— both  forgetting  the  ties  of  consanguinity  which  should 
have  bound  them  \u  love  and  harmony  evermore. 

On  the  13th  the  "  Ohio  "  returned  to  Sandusky  and  found 
the  squadron  absent.  Mr.  Dobbins  felt  certain  a  battle  had 
taken  place,  and,  of  course,  was  anxious  to  know  the  result,  as 
also  how  to  shape  his  future  course.  Soon  a  couple  of  boats 
were  discovered  in-shore  and  he  gave  chase.  He  succeeded  in 
cutting  one  off,  which  proved  to  be  an  American,  and  from  the 
men  on  uoard  learned  that  there  had  been  a  battle,  but  no 
details  other  than  that  the  Americans  were  supposed  to  be 
victorious,  as  all  the  vessels  were  taken  into  Put-in -Bay.  Mr. 
Dobbins  immediately  bore  up  for  that  place,  where  he  found 
the  squadron  at  anchor  v/ith  their  prizes.  The  arrival  of  the 
''  Ohio  "  with  fresh  supplies  was  a  Godsend  to  the  sick  and 
wounded.  Soon  followed  the  arrival  of  a  boat  from  Cleveland 
and  another  from  Sandusky,  with  vegetables  and  fresh  meat,, 
adding  much  to  the  comfort  of  the  aftlicted,  as  also  to  the 
able-bodied.     The  wounded  were  still  on  board  their  respective 


^  .' 


i 


HISTORY    Oy   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


63 


vessels  ;  and  Commodore  Barclay  was  made  as  comfortable  on 
board  the  "  Detroit "  as  circumstances  ^vould  permit.  It  being 
necessary  to  dispose  of  the  prisoners,  all  the  rank  and  file,  so 
to  speak,  including  some  of  the  officers  able  to  travel,  were 
immediately  dispatched  to  Chillicothe,  Ohio,  under  the  auspices 
of  General  Harrison.  In  the  meantime  the  "  Lawrence  "  was 
being  so  far  repaired  as  to  be  able  to  convey  the  badly  wounded 
of  both  squadrons  to  Erie,  and  where  she  safely  arrived  on  the 
23d,  under  the  com.mand  of  Lieutenant  John  L.  Yarnall,  him- 
self wounded.  With  what  joy  the  people  espied  the  gallant 
craft  as  she  rounded  the  peninsula  in  her  approach  to  the 
harbor  1  She  that  had  gone  out  staunch  and  bold  was  now 
returning  a  cripple,  but  victorious — freighted  with  the  wounded 
of  both  squadrons.  Like  the  wounded  warrior  returning  to 
his  peaceful  home,  she  was  welcomed  with  tears  and  smiles. 
As  soon  as  she  .v^as  anchored  the  unfortunates  were  conveyed 
on  shore  in  boats,  and  every  attention  given  by  the  citizens  to 
make  them  as  comfortable  as  possible — friend  and  foe  alike. 
The  '•  Lawrence  "  was  immediately  got  over  the  bar  and  moored 
in  Misery  Bay,  where  she  was  sufficiently  repaired  to  keep  her 
from  sinking  tor  the  time. 

What  food  for  reflection  !  But  one  short  month  had  passed 
since  the  gallant  young  commander  had  sailed  with  his  hastily 
gotten  up  squadron — had  met  and  conquered  the  enemy ;  and 
his  now  maimed  and  battered  flagship  was  returning  for  the  first 
time  freighted  with  the  unfortunate  victims  of  the  deadly  strife. 
What  a  contrast !  But  a  few  days  since  these  brave  fellows 
were  hurling  the  bolts  of  destruction  at  each  other — now  they 
Were  quietly  resting  side  by  side  on  board  the  "  Lawrence," 
exchanging  kindness  and  sympathy  with  each  other. 


64 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


We  will  now  give  some  comments  upon  the  battle,  and,  in 
doing  so,  will  be  as  brief  as  possible — relying  upon  impartial 
testimony,  fully  corroborated  by  circumstances. 


CHAPTER    XIII. 


^HORTLY  after  the  battle,  unfortunately,  a  spirit  of  crimin- 
/^ation  and  recrimination  sprang  up  amoiig  the  officers  in 
regard  to  the  conduct  of  Elliot,  with  his  ship  *'  Niagara,"  during 
the  battle,  and  finally  culminated  in  a  bitter  feud.  It  was  found 
several  years  afterwards  that  it  would  result  in  a  duel  between 
Perry  and  Elliot  had  not  the  former  been  ordered  to  sea  in 
command  of  a  special  expedition  to  Venezuela,  constituted  of 
the  sloop  of  war  "John  Adams"  and  schooner  "Nonesuch," 
and  died  ere  his  return  to  the  United  States. 

In  the  first  instance,  the  line,  with  the  "  Niagara  "  in  the  van, 
was  changed  for  manifest  reasons  and  without  the  slighest 
difficulty  or  delay.  Much  stress  has  been  placed  upon  this 
evolution  by  some  of  the  friends  of  Elliot,  without  much  reason, 
as  we  believe,  the  vessels  being  a  long  distance  from  the  enemy 
at  the  time. 

When  the  "  Lawrence  "  was  first  brought  by  the  wind  to  try 
the  range  of  her  carronades  upon  the  enemy,  the  shpt  of  which 
was  found  to  fall  short,  the  "  Niagara  "  was  in  her  alloted  posi- 


^  ) 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


65 


tion ;  and  when  the  order  was  given,  "  Engage  as  you  come 
up,  each  vessel  against  her  opponent,"  and  the  "  Lawrence  " 
again  bore  up  to  shorten  the  distance,  the  "  Niagara  "  did  not 
follow,  though  Elliot  had  ordered  the  "  Caledonia  "  out  of  her 
place  to  make  room  for  the  "  Niagara  "  to  close  up  with  the 
"  Lawrence  "  within  the  prescribed  distance,  viz :  "  half  cable's- 
length,"  but  kept  her  wind — using  only  her  two  long  12-pound- 
ers,  having  shifted  the  port  gun  over  to  the  starboard  side, 
occasionally  using  a  division  of  her  carronades,  but  without 
effect,  as  the  shot  fell  short.  I  would  ask,  was  this  not  break- 
ing the  line?  The  "Lawrence"  was  the  commanding  and 
leading  ship,  and  it  was  the  duty  of  the  "  Niagara  "  to  follow 
her  and  engage  the  "  Queen  Charlotte,"  her  oppDuent.  The 
excuse  that  there  was  "  little  or  no  wind,"  is  inadmissable ;  if 
there  was  wind  enough  for  the  "  Lawrence  "  to  close,  there 
certainly  was  enough  for  the  "  Niagara "  to  follow.  The 
"Caledonia,"  on  the  other  hand,  when  ordered  to  "bear  up 
for  the  "  Niagara  "  to  pass,"  kept  on  down  in  company  with 
the  "  Lawrence  "  and  engaged  at  close  quarters.  The  "  Scor- 
pion "  and  "  Ariel  "  also  bore  up  with  the  "  Lawrence  "  and 
kept  their  stations  on  the  weather-bow  of  that  vessel.  The 
"  Niagara  "  had  kept  this  long-shot  distance  for  some  two  hours, 
while  the  "  Lawrence "  was  closely  engaged  with  the  three 
heaviest  vessels  of  the  enemy  during  the  same  time.  As  before 
stated,  the  line  of  the  enemy  was  formed  with  the  schooner 
"  Chippewa  "  in  the  van,  then  "  Detroit,"  "  Hunter,"  "  Queen 
Charlotte,"  "  Lady  Provost,"  and  "  Little  Belt,"  in  line  as 
named.  The  "  Lawrence  "  to  meet  the  "  Detroit,"  "  Cale- 
donia" to  meet  the  "  Hunter,"  "  Niagara"  to  meet  the  "Queen 
5 


■"*»■  '^«-*^- 


66 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


Charlotte,"  the  "  Somers  "  and  other  gunboats  to  engage  the 
'•  Lady  Provost "  and  "  Little  Belt." 

To  show  that  even  the  enemy  understood  these  allotments,  as 
arranged  by  Perry,  I  will  give  an  extract  from  Commodore 
Barclay's  letter  to  Sir  George  Provost,  viz  : 

"  At  a  quarter  before  twelve  I  commenced  the  action  by  a 
few  long  guns  ;  at  a  quarter  past  the  American  Commodore, 
also  supported  by  two  schooners,  one  carrying  four  long  12- 
pounders,  the  other  a  long  32  (24),  came  close  to  action  with 
the  "  Detroit."  The  other  brig  of  the  enemy — apparently  des- 
tined to  engage  the  "  Queen  Charlotte " — supported  in  like 
manner  by  two  schooners,  kept  so  far  to  windward  as  to 
render  the  "  Queen  Charlotte's  "  20  (24)  pounder  carronades 
useless." 

The  "  Queen  Charlotte  "  retained  her  position  abreast  of  the 
"  Niagara  "  for  some  time,  and  Captain  Finnis  finding  that  ves- 
sel was  not  disposed  to  place  herself  within  reach  of  his  24- 
pound  carronades,  and  she  being  to  windward  and  he  not  able 
to  close  with  her,  ordered  the  "  Hunter"  to  bear  up  and  make 
room  for  the  "  Queen  Charlotte  "  to  move  up  to  the  "  Detroit  " 
and  open  upon  the  "  Lawrence,"  which  vessel  was  within  range. 
It  is  well  known  that  the  range  of  24-pound  carronades  and 
that  of  32's  is  very  near  the  same,  the  only  difference  being 
tJie  weight  of  metal  thrown.  Thus,  if  the  carronades  of  the 
"  Queen  Charlotte  "  would  not  reach  the  "  Niagara,"  those  of 
that  vessel  would  not  reach  the  "  Queen  Charlotte,"  though  it 
is  claimed  Elliot  tried  an  occasional  division  to  get  the  range. 
It  is  claimed  by  some  officers  of  experience  that  Elliot  might  have 
excused  himself,  to  some  extent,  by  claiming  that  Perry  was  im- 
petuous in  rushing  into  close  action  with  only  a  portion  of  his  force 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


67 


available.  In  fact,  it  was  stated  by  skillful  officers  that  "  no  com- 
mander ever  went  into  battle  in  worse  shape  and  came  out  of  it 
better  " — that  "  Perry  should  have  kept  off  at  a  distance  until 
all  his  vessels  were  up,  and  then  in  a  compact  line  have  borne 
up  and  engaged  at  close  quarters  " — that  "  he  should  have 
taken  pattern  by  his  adversary,  who,  having  seen  service  in 
squadron  engagements,  had  his  line  in  compact  order."  How- 
ever, Perry,  like  all  young  warriors  of  the  right  mettle,  became 
impatient  when  the  shot  of  the  enemy  began  to  tell  upon  his 
vessel.  This,  however,  does  not  exculpate  Elliot  for  remain- 
ing at  a  distance  and  allowing  the  "  Lawrence  "  to  be  cut  to 
pieces  by  an  overwhelming  force  without  bearing  down  to  her 
assistance. 

The  gunboats  lagging  astern  may  be  deemed  by  some  as 
dilatory.  It  is  well  known  to  all  nautical  men  that  fore-and- 
afters  have  not  the  advantage  of  square-rigged  vessels  in  light 
winds,  as  the  latter  have  their  heavy  sails  aloft,  besides  have 
more  light  canvas.  The  "  Scorpion  "  and  ''  Ariel  "  were  fast 
sailors,  is  ihe  reason  they  were  enabled  to  keep  up  with  the 
larger  vessels.  For  instance,  the  "  Trippe,"  the  last  vessel  in 
the  line,  although  quite  a  good  sailor  in  a  strong  breeze,  could 
not  keep  her  place,  much  to  the  chagrin  of  her  gallant  young 
commander.  Lieutenant  Holdup;  but  as  soon  as  the  breeze 
sprung  up  passed  several  of  the  others,  and  was  the  first  of  the 
lagging  gunboats  to  close  wiih  the  enemy. 

The  next  matter  we  will^take  up  is,  how  the  "  Niagara  "  ob- 
tained the  position  she  occupied  when  Perry  boarded  her,  viz  : 
on  the  weather-bow  of  the  "  Lawrence,"  distant  from  fifty 
yards  to  half  a  mile,  according  to  the  conflicting  testimony  given 


68 


HISTORY    OF    THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


before  the  Court  of  Inquiry  at  New  York  in  April,  1815.  The 
cause  assigned  by  Elliot  for  passing  to  imndward  of  the  "  Law- 
rence "  is,  that  he  "  was  endeavoring  to  reach  the  head  of  the 
enemy's  line  and  their  large  vessels,  a  breeze  springing  up  at 
the  time  and  the  enemy  filling  away  to  shoot  ahead."  We  will 
now  have  to  resort  to  "  cause  and  effect "  in  this  argument. 
We  wil!  ask  the  question,  why  did  she  not  go  to  leeward  of  the 
"  Lawrence  "  and  endeavor  to  draw  the  fire  of  the  enemy  from 
that  over-powered  vessel,  as  also  to  be  within  canister  range 
with  her  carronades  ?  The  answer  is  given  above,  viz :  that 
"  it  was  necessary  to  go  to  windward  in  order  to  reach  the 
head  of  the  enemy's  line,"  &c  The  wind  at  this  time  was 
from  southeast,  but  still  quite  light,  the  vessels  all  heading  to 
the  southward  and  westward.  The  enemy's  vessels  being 
much  cut  up  aloft,  would  naturally  not  be  very  close  to  the 
wind  ;  and  the  "  Lawrence  "  being  disabled,  with  her  sails  and 
rigging  all  in  shreds,  would  be  in  poor  trim  for  sailing  by  the 
wind,  and  was  rather  drifting  with  it ;  thus,  the  angle  between 
her  and  the  head  of  the  enemy's  line  would  be  sharpening  in- 
stead of  widening^  which  latter  would  have  to  be  the  case  to 
excuse  the  "  Niagara  "  for  going  to  windward.  But,  further- 
more, the  ''  Caledonia  "  passed  the  "  Lawrence  "  to  leeward^  or 
between  that  vessel  and  the  enemy,  in  order  to  keep  within 
range,  though  her  armament  was  of  lon^-  guns.  Whereas  the 
"Niagara"  passed  to  windward,  and,  of  course,,  at  a  greater 
distance  with  her  carronade  battery.  Thus  good  reasoning 
would  determine  that  the  policy,  if  not  tJie  diUy^  of  Elliot  was  to 
have  gone  to  leeward  instead  of  to  windward  of  the  "  Lawrence." 


HISTORY    OF    THE   BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


69 


CHAPTER    XIV. 


M, 


11 


HE  statement  in  regard  to  the  sail  the '' Niagara '' was 

-L-  under  at  the  time  Perry  boarded  her  is  so  conflicting,  we 

will  give  the  statement  of    Benjamin  Fleming,   one  of   her 

main-topmen,  who  deceased  but  a  few  years  since,  and  who 

gave  this  statement  to  the  writer,  viz : 

"Wlion  Commodore  Perry  came  on  board  (I  give  his  own 
language,  as  near  as  possible)  we  were  under  topsails,  fore  and 
aft  mainsail,  and  jib ;  the  top-gallant-sails  and  mainsail  furled, 
and  foresail  hauled  up.  The  main  topsail,  I  think,  was  not 
aback  at  this  time,  but  it  had  been  most  of  the  time  during  the 
action.  He  came  on  board  by  the  weather  (port)  gangway, 
and  was  met  by  Captain  Elliot ;  they  shook  hands  and  had 
some  conversation,  which  I  could  not  hear  from  the  top.  Di  • 
rectly  Captain  Elliot  went  over  the  side  into  the  same  boat 
Commodore  Perry  came  in,  shoved  off,  and  pulled  for  the 
small  vessels  astern.  Some  little  time  after,  and  when  the 
gunboats  had  got  pretty  well  up,  and  a  breeze  springing  up. 
Commodore  Perry  set  the  signal  for  "  close  action,"  and  imme- 
diately gave  the  order  to  "  make  sail '' — "  loose  top-gallant-sails, 
board  fore-tack,  haul  in  the  weather  braces,  put  the  helm  up. 
and  keep  the  brig  off."  I  helped  to  loose  the  main  top-gallant- 
sail  myself.  We  bore  up,  gradually  at  first,  with  the  wind  on 
our  quarter.  Just  before  we  got  abreast  of  the  "  Detroit,"  to 
the  best  of  my  memory,  we  were  before  the  wind,  when  we 
jibed  the  fore  and  aft  mainsail  and  brailed  it  up  at  the  same 
time,  settled  the  top  gallant-sails  upon  the  caps,  hauled  the 
foresail  up,  and  at  the  same  time  fired  a  broadside  into  the 
"  Detroit "  and  "  Queen  Charlotte  "  as  they  lay  foul  of  each 
other,  and  our  larboard  guns  into  the  ''  Lady  Provost "  and 
another  schooner;  then  coming  by  the  wind  on  the  starboard 
tack,  with  the  main-topsail  to  the  mast,  under  the  lee  of  the 


70 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE   OF   LAKE    ERIE. 


"  Detroit "  and  "  Queen  Charlotte,"  kept  up  a  heavy  fire  until 
they  struck,  which  could  not  have  been  more  than  fifteen  or 
twenty  minutes  after  we  passed  through  their  line  ;  the  "  Cale- 
donia "  and  one  or  two  of  the  gunboats  followed  us." 

It  has  been  conceded  that  the  British  vessels  were  gallantly 
fought  though  laboring  under  several  great  disadvantages  ;  the 
two  most  important  of  which  were  the  loss  of  the  services  of 
both  the  first  and  second  commanding  officers.  Commodore 
Barclay  being  severely,  and  Captain  Finnis  mortally  wounded ; 
as  also  the  executive  officers  of  both  ships,  Lieutenant  Garland, 
of  the  "  Detroit "  mortally,  and  Lieutenant  Stokes,  of  the 
"  Queen  Charlotte,"  severely  wounded — both  regulars — leaving 
the  command  of  the  "  Detroit "  to  Second  Lieutenant  Ingles, 
and  the  "  Queen  Charlotte  "  to  Second  Lieutenant  Irvine,  a 
provincial.  Then  the  American  squadron  had  the  weather 
gauge.  Their  last  evident  mana3uvre  was  well  conceived,,  and 
could  they  have  carried  it  out  the  battle  would,  at  least,  have 
been  prolonged.  But  the  hold^  sudden  and  daring  dash  of  Perry 
with  the  "  Niagara,"  completely  frustrated  and  confused  them. 
The  manoeuvre  was  as  follows,  viz : 

When  they  noticed  the  movements  of  the  "  Niagara  " — that 
Perry  was  determined  to  break  through  their  line,  the  "  Queen 
Charlotte"  was  to  bear  up,  pass  to  leeward  of  the  "  Detroit,"  and 
meet  the  "  Niagara  "  broadside  on  as  she  passed,  the  "  Detroit " 
to  follow.  Then  as  the  "  Niagara  "  and  "  Queen  Charlotte  " 
passed  down  before  the  wind,  exchanging  fires  at  pistol-shot- 
range,  the  "  Detroit "  to  haul  up,  shoot  athwart  the  stern  of 
the  "  Niagara"  and  give  her  a  taking  fire  from  her  starboard 
guns ;  and  taking  position  upon  her  quarter,  keep  up  this  rak- 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


7J 


V 


ing  fire  upon  the  "  Niagara "  while  that  vessel  was  engaged 
with  the  "  Queen  Charlotte  " — a  vessel  of  equal  force — the 
three  going  off  before  the  wind  and  separating  from  the  other 
vessels.  As  before  said,  this  manoeuvre  was  frustrated  by 
Perry's  sudden  and  daring  dash.  The  "  Queen  Charlotte " 
did  not  bear  up  in  time  to  keep  from  being  becalmed  by  the 
sails  of  the  "  Detroit,"  as  that  vessel  by  bearing  up  in  haste,  to 
prevent  being  raked  by  the  "  Niagara,"  fell  athwart  the  bow  o\ 
the  "  Queen  Charlotte,"  and  fouled  with  her.  As  showing 
their  intention,  I  will  give  a  short  extract  from  the  letter  of 
Lieut.  Inglis  of  the  "  Detroit,"  which  accompanied  Com.  Bar- 
clay's report  to  Sir  George  Provost. 

"H.  M.  Late  Ship  "Detroit,"  Sept.  10th,  1813. 

*  *  "  Sir. — After  you  were  wounded,  the  enemy's  second 
brig,  at  that  time  on  our  weather  beam,  shortly  took  a  position 
on  our  weather  bow  to  rake  us ;  to  prevent  which,  in  attempting 
to  wear  to  get  our  starboard  broadside  to  bear  upon  her,  a 
number  of  our  guns  on  the  larboard  side  being  at  this  time 
disabled,  we  fell  on  board  the  "  Queen  Charlotte,"  at  that  time 
running  up  to  leeward  of  us.  In  this  situation  the  two  ships 
remained  for  some  time.         *         *         * 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c., 

"GEORGE  INGLIS." 

We  will  give  still  further  extracts  from  the  report  of  Commo- 
dore Barclay,  giving  the  situation  of  matters  at  this  critical  time 
from  his  standpoint,  viz  : 

*  *  *  tt  'pj^g  action  continued  with  great  fury  until 
half  past  two  P.  M.,  when  I  perceived  my  opponent  drop 
astern,  and  a  boat  passing  from  him  to  the  "Niagara,"  {which 
vessel  teas  at  this  time  perfectly  fresh.)  The  American  commo- 
dore seeing  that,  as  yet,  the  day  was  against  him,  (his  vessel 


72 


UISTORY    OF   THE   BATTLE   OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


having  struck  soon  after  he  left  her)  and  also  the  very  defence- 
less state  of  the  "  Detroit,"  which  ship  was  now  a  perfect 
wreck,  principally  from  the  raking  fire  of  the  gun  boats  *  * 
Made  a  noble,  and  alas !  too  successful,  an  effort  to  regain  it, 
for  he  bore  up,  and,  supported  by  his  smaller  vessels,  passed 
within  pistol  shot,  and  took  a  raking  position  on  our  bow."  *  * 

While  giving  these  extracts  we  will  also  refer  to  the  report 
of  the  "  Naval  Court  Martial,  convened  on  board  His  Majesty's 
ship  "Gladiator,"  at  Portsmouth,  to  inquire  into  the  conduct  of 
Commodore  Barclay  and  his  remaining  officers  in  regard  to 
the  surrender  of  the  British  squadron  on  Lake  Eric,  September 
10th,  1813."  Some  of  the  statements  made  in  it  are  not  borne 
out  by  facts,  viz  : 

"  The  American  force  was  double  the  amount  of  his  (Bar- 
clay's") in  number  of  ships  and  guns,  and  there  was  no  com- 
parison in  respect  to  the  quality  of  the  seamen." 

We  wJU  give  the  figures  and  let  them  speak  the  facts: 

AMERICAN   SQUADRON.  BRITISH    SQUA         )N. 

"Lawrence," 260  tons,  20  guns  "Detroit," 300  tons,  19  guns 

"Niagara, 260 

"Caledonia," 85 

"  Ariel," 60 

'•Scorpion," 60 

"Somers," 65 

"  Trippe," 50 

>*  Porcupine," 50 

"Tigress," 50 


n 

20 

•< 

<( 

4 

<( 

(( 

3 

<( 

<( 

2 

K 

(< 

2 

(( 

<( 

I 

ex 

(( 

I 

< . 

(( 

I 

(( 

"  Queen  Charlotte,"  .260 

"Lady  Provost," 96 

Brig  "  Hunter," 75 

"  Little  Belt," 60 

"Chippewa," 35 


17 

13 

10 

3 

I 

63 


Tonnage 840 


54 


9  vessels. 


Tonnage 826 

6  vessels. 
Which  shows  9  guns  in  favor  of  the 
British  squadron,  and  14  tons  in  favor  of 
the  American  squadron. 


It  is  well  known  to  be.  better  to  have  a  battery  concentrated 
on  board  of  one  heavy  vessel  than  in  several  small  ones  ;  and 
the  British  had  three  formidable  vessels,  as  the  "  Lady  Provost  " 
was  classed  as  a  regular  man-of-war  schooner,  mounting  thir- 


HISTORY    OF   THE    RATFLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


73 


teen  guns,  most  of  which  were  of  heavy  calil)er.  She  wouki 
have  been  a  match  for  any  three  of  the  A?  ^rican  vessels,  ex- 
cepting the  "  Lawrence  "  and  "  Niagara." 

As  for  crews,  the  force  of  each  squadron  was  a])Out  equal, 
viz :  500,  all  told ;  though  the  British  had  the  advantage,  as 
116  in  the  American  squadron  were  on  the  sick  list  on  the  day 
of  the  battle,  seamen  suffering  the  worst,  as  the  change  from 
salt  to  fresh  walcr  had  a  bad  effect  upon  them,  and  many  were 
down  with  the  bilious  fever,  &c.  Whereas,  the  Brih"sh  had  but 
that  day  left  port,  and  of  course,  all  in  good  liealth.  In  re- 
spect to  the  number  ot  seamen,  say  150,  there  was  but  little 
difference  ;  and  in  regard  to  the  balanro  of  the  crews,  the 
American,  like  the  British,  were  mostly  made  up  of  soldiers  and 
landsmen. 

There  was,  however,  one  other  ijreat  advantage  they  had, 
viz  :  The  "  Queen  Charlotte," ''  Lady  Provost,"  and  brig  "  Hun- 
ter" were  regularly  built  war  vesaels^  and  had  been  cruising  for 
several  years — but  monj  particularly  since  the  declaration  of 
war.  During  the  spring  and  summer  of  1813,  and  while  Perry 
was  getting  up  the  American  squadron,  they  we^e  constantly 
cruising  off  Erie.  Thus,  you  see,  they  must  have  been  in 
complete  condition,  and  the  crews  in  a  good  -late  of  discipline. 

In  regard  to  Elliot  leaving  the  "  Niagara  "  to  bring  up  the 
smaller  vessels,  then  some  distance  astern  into  close  action, 
some  of  Elliot's  enemies  claim  that  he  was  ordered  to  do  so  by 
Perry.  This  is  evidently  error.  It  would  be  a  matter  of  great 
delicacy — to  say  the  least  of  it — to  order  an  officer  of  nearly 
his  own  rank  from  his  ship  under  such  circumstances- to  perform 
such  duty.     The  evidence  of  Perry,  in  his  note  to  Elliot,  of  the 


\ 


*,-*«, .-<■-- lilka-  ...«. 


74 


HISTORY   OF   THE    RATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


18th  of  September,  at  Put-in-Bay  gives  undoubtedly  the  truth, 
viz:  "Your  anticipating  my  wishes  to  bring  up  the  small  ves- 
sels into  close  action,  thereby  contributing  largely  to  our  victory," 
&c.,  as  also  using  the  same  language  in  substance  in  his  report 
to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy.  Again,  it  was  but  characteristic 
of  Perry  to  use  the  language  imputed  to  him  by  Captain  Bre- 
voort,  viz  :  After  the  action  and  Captain  Elliot  returned  on  board 
(the  "  Niagara  ")  Captain  Perry  caught  him  by  the  hand,  saying, 
"  I  owe  much  of  this  to  you,"  &c.  This  was  the  outpouring  of 
a  generous  and  chivalrous  nature.  Perry  had  gained  a  grand 
victory,  and  he  felt  like  embracing  every  one  who  had  contri- 
buted to  the  brillant  achievement.  Most  certainly  the  volun- 
teering to  bring  up  the  distant  smaller  vessels  into  close  action, 
and  the  prompt  manner  it  was  executed,  and  their  efficient 
services  afterwards,  (Barclay  claiming  "the  raking  fire  of  the 
gun  boats  to  be  terrific  on  board  the  '  Detroit,'  ")  Elliot  having 
ordered  them  to  cease  firing  on  the  smaller  vessels  and  direct 
it  at  the  "  Detroit ' '  and  "  Queen  Charlotte."  Then,  if  from  any 
implied  improper  motives  he  had  not  closed  with  his  antagon- 
ist, the  "Queen  Charlotte,''  this  gallant  act  should  aid  in  cover- 
ing up  the  sin  to  some  extent. 


V. 


CHAPTER    XV. 


u 


¥0E 
nf -n 


ERR  is  human,  to  forgive  is  divine,"  and  that  "  none 
of -us  are  infallible,"  should  ever  be  uppermost  in  our 
minds.     Perry,  with  all  his  nobleness  of  character,  gallantry 


HISTORY   OF   THE    BATTLE   OP    LAKE    ERIE. 


76 


< 


and  truthfulness  of  purpose,  erred  in  accusing  Elliot  of  cowardice 
after  mentioning  him  in  the  most  complimentary  terms  in  his 
report  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy  and  subsequent  letters,  as 
also  in  conversations.  It  should  also  be  borne  in  mind  that 
the  previous  and  subsequent  conduct  of  Elliot,  on  Lake  Ontario, 
and  capturing  the  two  vessels  fmm  under  the  guns  of  Fort  Erie, 
as  also  on  Lake  Erie,  evinced  anything  but  cowardice.  The 
writer,  had  a  conversation  with  a  naval  officer  of  high  rank, 
(now  deceased)  a  few  years  since,  who  said :  "  It  is  a  mistake 
to  accuse  Elliot  of  being  a  coward.  I  made  a  cruise  with  him 
some  years  since,  and  think  I  know  him  like  a  book ;  coward- 
ice is  the  last  sin  that  could  be  laid  at  the  door  of  "  Old  Jesse." 
He  was  somewhat  egotistical  and  austere,  yet  a  good  othcer 
and  thorough  seaman.     He  was  no  coward,  I  assure  you." 

Then  as  to  the  accusation  of  treachery,  made  by  some  of  the 
accusers  of  Elliot,  we  will  only  give  the  facts  and  ci7'Gumstanc,es, 
and  leave  the  reader  to  come  to  his  own  conclusions.  In  the 
first  place,  Elliot  did  not  close  with  his  allotted  antagonist  the 
"  Queen  Charlotte,"  as  per  order  of  Perry,  and  which  was  ex- 
pected by  not  only  every  intelligent  officer  in  the  American 
squadron,  but  also  the  British,  but  kept  out  of  carronade-range 
until  Perry  boarded  her — leaving  the  "  Lawrence  "  to  fight  the 
enemy's  heavy  vessels  almost  single-handed.  In  the  second 
place,  he  should  have  passed  to  leeward  of  the  "  Lawrence," 
or,  between  her  and  the  enemy,  when  endeavoring  to  reach 
the  head  of  the  enemy's  line,  and  thereby  have  drawn  the 
heavy  fire  of  the  enemy  from  that  crippled  vessel.  Then,  on 
seeing  that  the  "  Lawrence  "  was  silenced,  and  no  signal  thrown 
out  from  her,  presumed  the  "  commanding  officer  was  killed," 


WliMi'.' -  ■■ 


HISTORY    OF    THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


intended  to  assume  command.     Tiiese  accusations  are  vital  in 
their  importance,  and  should  be  well  considered. 

Immediately  after  the  battle  the  conduct  of  Elliot  with  the 
"  Niagara "  become  the  general  topic  of  conversation,  and 
Elliot  criticised.  Perry,  with  all  the  kindness  of  his  forgiving 
nature,  was  anxious  to  stop  this  censuring  of  Elliot,  and  cau- 
tioned the  officers  to  silence  on  this  subject.  The  strongest 
defense  Elliot  had  \vas  the  language  of  Perry  himself.  In  a 
letter  to  Elliot  at  Put-in-Bay,  under  date  of  September  19th,  in 
answer  to  one  from  Elliot  of  the  previous  day.  Perry  said : 


* 


* 


"  I  am  indignant  that  any  report  should  be 
in  circulation  prejudicial  to  your  character,  as  respects  the 
action  of  the  10th  inst.  It  affords  me  pleasure  that  I  have  it 
in  my  power  to  assure  you  that  the  conduct  of  yourself,  officers 
and  crew,  was  such  as  to  meet  my  warmest  approbation.  T 
consider  the  circumstances  of  your  volunteering:  to  bring  up 
the  smaller  vessels  into  close  action  as  contributing  largely  to 
our  victory.  I  shall  ever  believe  it  a  premeditated  plau  of  the 
enemy  to  disable  our  commanding  vessel  by  bruiging  all  their 
force  to  bear  upon  her;  and  I  am  satisfied  had  they  not  pur- 
;3ued  this  course  the  engagement  would  not  have  lasted  thirty 
minuti's.  I  have  no  doubt  if  the  ''  Charlotte  "  had  not  made 
s,  il  to  engage  the  "  Lawrence  "  the  "Niagara"  would  liave 
ta'cen  her  in  twenty  minutes. 
"V^iy  respectfully,  &c., 

'  0.  H.  PERRY. 
"  Capt.  J.  D,  Elliot,  U.  S.  S.  '  Niagara:  " 

It  was  afterwards  claimed  by  Perry  that  these  letters  were 
given  at  the  time  to  soothe  the  wounded  feelings  of  Elliot,  but 
not  to  be  used  for  publication,  which  use  u'a.v  made  of  them. 
And  furthermore,  the  complimentary  matter  in  the  letters  was 
after vvards  withdrawn,  and  the  conduct  of  Elliot  threatened  to 


V 


\ 


HISTORY    OF    THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


77 


V    I 


N 


be  the  subject  of  a  court-martial,  the  charges  preferred  by 
Perry.  We  will  also  give  some  extracts  from  the  lengthy  letter 
of  the  officers  of  the  ''  Niagara  "  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy — 
giving  a  detailed  account  of  the  battle  from   their  standpoint: 

''U.  S.  S.  "NuGARA,"  13th  October.  1813.  | 
"At  Anchor  off  Detroit.  / 
"Respected  Sir: — We  have  with  regret  seen  the  condensed, 
and,  suffer  us  to  add,  the  partial  statements  of  the  late  action 
on  Lake  Erie ;  and,  induced  by  motives  of  the  warmest  admi- 
ration and  great  respect  for  our  commander.  Captain  J.  D. 
Elliot,  we  take  the  liberty  of  laying  before  you  our  combined 
observations  on  the  above  late  action,  and  knowing,  as  we  do, 
your  power  of  discrimination  and  impartiality  of  judgment,  we 
commit  it  to  you  with  full  contldenceof  its  universal  confidence 
and  consideration.  (Here  is  given  a  detailed  account  of  the 
action,  v/hich,  as  said  before,  is  given  from  their  standpoint, 
but  of  too  great  a  length  for  insertion.)  *  *  *  We 
are  unwilling  to  quit  the  subject  without  expressing  our  esti- 
mation of  our  noble  commander.  W^e  feel  it  our  duty  to  him 
and  to  ourselves  to  express  our  opinion  of  his  conduct  during 
the  action,  which  was  manifested  by  his  cool,  brave  and  judi- 
cious deportment,  and  are  firmly  of  the  opinion  that  his  valor 
could  not  be  surpassed  by  any  ;  and  that  in  him  the  American 
flag  has  a  most  zealous,  skilllul,  and  heroic  defender.  We  have 
here  endeavored,  sir,  to  give  you  a  succinct  and  minute  account 
of  the  action  from  the  commencement  to  the  close;  in  doing 
this  we  have  been  actuated  by  unprejudiced  love  and  respect 
for  Captain  Elliot. 

"  We  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir, 

"  Your  obedient  servants,  kc 

"J.  E.  SMITH,  Lieutenant, 

"  H.  MAGRATH,  Purser, 

"J.  J.  EDWARDS,  Lieutenant, 

"NELSON  WEBSTER,  A.  M., 

"A.  B.  BREVOORT,  Capt.  2d  Reg  t  V.  S.  Tnamtry. 
^^  Hon.  Wm.  Jones,  Sec'y  of  the  Navy,  Washington   Cifi/,  JJ.  CV 


78 


HISTORY    OF   THE   BATl'LE   OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


These  officers  were  honorable,  high-minded,  and  patriotic 
men  ;  therefore,  their  statements  should  not,  by  any  means,  be 
ignored ;  and  if  treachery  or  cowardice  was  manifested  by 
their  commander,  if  for  nothing  else,  for  their  ovm  reputations, 
it  is  to  be  presumed,  they  would  not  have  sanctioned  or  en- 
deavored to  cover  up  such  manifestations  of  conduct.  Some 
little  excuse  for  these  statements  may  be  given  thus  "v^^se,  viz : 
To  treat  this  grave  question  with  a  lighter  hand  and  to  some 
extent  illustrate  in  accord  with  human  nature,  we  will  state 
that  it  is  pro'3rbial  with  the  officer,  as  well  as  Jack,  to  regard 
the  reputation  of  his  ship,  when  assailed,  with  the  same  feel- 
ing, and  defend  lier  with  the  same  spirit,  he  would  his  wife. 
But  we  will  take  leave  of  this  unforti^nate  controversy  and  re- 
vert to  more  pleasant  and  interesling  incidents  of  the  action. 
Had  all  been  like  the  noble  and  g'enerous  Perry  this  bad  feel- 
ing would  have  been  strangled  in  its  infancy,  and  never  have 
gone  out  to  th/'  public. 


W 


CHAPTER    XVI. 


/TVO  SHOW  how  raged  the  battle  on  board  the  "  Lawrence,'' 
JL  we  will  give  some  statements  of  Dr.  Parsons,  her  surgeon  . 

"  The  wounded  began  to  come  down  before  the  ''  Lawrence" 
opened  her  battery,  and,  for  one,  I  felt  impatient  at  the  delay. 


HISTORY   OF   THE   BATTLE   OF   LAKE    ERIE. 


79 


In  proper  time,  howe^^er,  the  war-dogs  were  let  loose  from 
their  lash,  and  it  seemed  as  though  heaven  and  earth  were  at 
logger-heads.  For  more  than  two  long  hours  little  could  be 
heard  but  the  deafening  thunders  of  our  own  broadsides,  the 
crash  of  balls  dashing  through  our  timbers,  and  the  shrieks  of 
the  wounded.  These  were  brought  down  faster  than  I  could 
attend  to  them,  other  than  to  stay  the  bleeding,  or  support  the 
shattered  limbs  with  splints,  and  pass  them  forward  upon  the 
berth-deck.  Two  or  three  were  killed  near  me  after  being 
wounded.  Among  those  early  brought  down  was  Lieut. 
Brooks,  son  of  the  late  Gov.  Brooks  of  Massachusetts,  a  most 
accomplished  gentleman  and  officer,  and  renowned  for  personal 
beauty.  A  cannon-ball  hit  him  in  the  hip  ;  he  knew  his  doom, 
and  inquired  how  long  he  could  live ;  I  told  him  a  few  hours. 
He  inquired  two  or  three  times  how  the  day  was  going,  and 
expressed  a  hope  that  the  Commodore  would  be  saved.  But 
new  comers  from  deck  brought  dismal  reports,  until  finally  it 
was  announced  that  we  had  struck.  In  the  lamentations  of 
despair  among  the  wounded  I  lost  sight  of  poor  Brooks  for  a 
few  minutes  ;  but  when  the  electrifying  cry  was  heard  that  the 
enemy  s  two  ships  had  struck,  I  rushed  on  deck  to  see  if  it  was 
true,  and  then  to  poor  Brooks  to  cheer  him,  but  he  was  no 
more." 

"  When  the  battle  had  raged  an  hour  and  a  half,  I  heard  a 
call  for  me  at  the  small  sky-light,  and  stepping  forward,  saw  it 
was  the  Commodore,  whose  countenance  was  as  calm  and 
placid  as  if  on  ordinary  duty.     '  Uoctof,'  said  he,  '  send  me 
one  of  your  men,' — meaning  one  of  the  six  that  were  to  assist 
me, — which  was  done  instantly.    In  five  minutes  the  call  was 
repeated  and  obeyed,  and  at  the  seventh  call,  I  told  him  he  had 
them  all.     He  then  asked  if  any  one  could  pull  a  rope,  wlien 
two  or  three  crawled  upon  deck  and  assisted  at  the  last  guns. 
When  the  battle  was  raging  most  severely,  Midshipman  Laub 
came  down  with  his  arm  l)adly  fractured ;  I  applied  a  splint, 
and  requested  him  to  go   forward  and   lie  down ;  as  he  was 
leaving  ine,  and  while  my  hand  was   upon  him,  a  cannon-ball 
struck  him  in  tlie  side,  dashing  him  against  the  other  side  of 
the  room,  which  instantly  terminated  his  sufferings.     Gliades 


T-  a 


80 


HISTORY    OF    THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


Pohig,  a  Narraganselt  Indian,  who  was  badly  wounded,  suffered 
in  like  manner. 

"  There  were  some  incidents,  less  painful  to  witness.  Lieut. 
Yarnell  had  his  scalp  badly  torn,  and  came  below  with  the 
blood  streaming  over  his  face ;  some  lint  was  hastily  applied 
and  confined  with  a  bandanna,  with  instructions  to  report  for 
further  dressing  after  battle.  He  at  once  returned  upon  deck. 
The  hammocks  stowed  on  deck  had  been  knocked  to  pieces 
with  the  cannon-balls,  and  let  loose  the  contents  of  some  mat- 
t)'asses  filled  with  flag-heads  or  cattails,  which  floated  in  the 
air  like  feathers.  These  gathered  upon  Yarnell's  blood-covered 
head,  and  made  it  resemble  that  of  a  huge  owl. 

"  When  the  smoke  cleared  away  after  the  battle  was  over,  the 
two  fleets  were  found  completely  mingled.  Our  own  shattered 
ship,  lying  to  the  windward  of  them,  was  once  more  allowed 
to  hoist  her  colors,  which  was  cheered  by  the  few  feeble  voices 
on  board — making  a  melancholy  sound  to  the  boisterous  cheers 
that  preceeded  the  battle,  when  Perry's  fighting  flag,  '  Don't 
give  up  the  Ship,'  was  first  mastheaded." 

It  has  been  erroneously  recorded  by  some  authors  that  Perry 
took  his  little  brother  (Alexander)  with  him  when  he  left  the 
"  Lawrence  "  for  the  "  Niagara."  This  is  error,  I  will  give  the 
language  of  Df.  Parsons  in  regard  to  it,  and  none  knew  better: 

"  After  his  return  to  his  shattered  ship.  Perry  walked  aft,  when 
his  first  remark  was  made  to  his  intimate  friend,  Purser  Ham- 
ilton, then  lying  wounded  on  deck,  'The  prayers  of  my  wife 
have  saved  me.'  Then  casting  his  eyes  about,  he  inquired,  < 
'Where  is  my  brother?'  This  brother  was  a  young  midship- 
man of  thirteen  years.  He  had,  during  the  battle,  acted  as  a 
sort  of  aid  to  Perry  in  running  will:  orders  to  diffe.-ent  parts  of 
tlie  ship,  for  you  must  know  that  in  the  din  and  uproar  of 
battle  orders  can  be  heard  but  a  little  distance.  We  made  a 
general  stir  to  look  the  boy  up,  not  without  fears  that  he  had 
been  knocked  overboard,  but  he  was  soon  found  in  his  berth 
asleep,  exhausted  with  the  fatigues  and  excitement  of  the  day, 


v^k 


HISTORY   OF   THE  BATTLE   OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


81 


as  also  having  received  a  severe  thump  from  a   hammock  a 
cannon-ball  had  thrown  against  him." 

The  hand  of  an  all-wise  providence  had  been  held  over  the 
heads  of  the  two  brothers,  and  they  were  saved. 

The  day  after  the  battle,  as  some  of  our  officers  were  con- 
versing with  the  British  on  board  the  "  Detroit,"  one  of  the 
latter  asked  his  comrade,  "  What  has  become  of  the  Indians  ?" 
Search  was  made  and  they  discovered  snugly  stowed  away  in 
the  cable  tier.  They  were  brought  upon  deck,  much  alarmed. 
However  were  soon  assured  they  would  not  be  hurt,  and  then 
became  quite  communicative.-  When  asked  how  they  liked 
the  sport,  said,  "  No  more  come  with  one-armed  captain  (Bar- 
clay) in  big  canoe — shoot  big  gun  too  much.  Gemokomon* 
(American)  much  big  fight."  This  sort  of  warfare  was  not  to 
their  tastes.  They  had  evidently  been  taken  on  board  as 
*'  sharp-shoofers,"  to  pick  off  the  officers.  They  were  sta- 
tioned in  the  maintop  of  the  "  Detroit,"  and  when  the  bullets 
began  to  fly  aloft  thought  they  wore  all  aimed  at  them,  and 
hastily  retreated  to  the  deck,  whore  they  found  it  no  better, 
and  then  to  the  hold.  They  were  sent  to  Maiden  with  some 
paroled  officers  who  had  familits  there. 

The  trip  of  Perry  from  the  **  Lawrence  "  to  the  "  Niagara  " 
in  a  boat,  it  appears  to  us,  is  not  properly  understood  or  ap- 
preciated ;  or  rather,  the  act  is  eulogized  instead  of  the 
'(/i/Aive.  "  If  a  victory  is  to  be  gained  Til  gain  it,"  said  Perry  as 
he  left  the  shattered  "  Lawrence."     Such  was  his  intention, 


"  Gemok'unon/'  signifying  "Long-Kaife"  or  sword,  an  implement  of  warfare 
unitnown  to  them  previous  to  their  early  wars  with  the  whites.  It  is  the  name 
given  to  the  "  Vankees," 

6 


''^'?■^ 


82 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


and  therein  laid  the  merit.  The  passing  from  vessel  to  vessel 
had  been  frequently  done  where  squadrons  were  engaged,  and 
had  been  done  that  same  day ;  and  furthermore,  Elliot  took 
the  same  boat,  and  twice  traversed  the  length  of  our  line,  then 
stopped  on  board  the  "  Somers  "  and  took  command  of  her  in 
person.  As  for  personal  danger,  it  was  everywhere  on  that 
occasion,  and  less,  if  anything,  in  a  boat  than  on  the  deck  of  a 
vessel,  particularly  the  "Lawrence." 


CHAPTER    XVII. 


>r(i 


HE  victory  of  the  10th  gave  us  the  command  of  the  lake, 
J-  and  now  Harrison  was  about  to  push  matters  for  a  victory 
on  land.  He  had  called  upon  the  venerable  Gov.  Shelby  of 
Kentucky,  for  volunteers,  and  invited  the  "  veteran  of  King's 
Mountain  "  to  command  them  in  person,  to  which  he  respond- 
ed in  the  affirmative,  though  in  his  sixty-sixth  year.  The 
patriotic  state  of  Kentucky  was  in  a  blaze  of  enthusiasm  when 
the  Governor  issued  his  proclamation  for  volunteers,  and  twice 
the  i'  imber  required  showed  themselves  ready  for  the  "war- 
path.' Soon  he  was  on  his  winding  way  for  the  banks  of 
Lake  Erie,  at  the  head  of  3,500  mounted  men,  with  such  men 
as  Henry,  Desha,  Allen,  Caldwell,  King,  Ghilds,  Trotter,  R.  M. 
and  J.  Johnson,  Adin,  Crittenden,  McDowell,  Walker  and 
Barry,  as  subordinates.  At  Fort  Ball  (now  Tiffin)  they  got 
news  of  Perry's  victory,  which  hurried  them  on  to  Camp  Por- 
tage, and  where  they  arrived  on  the  15th.    Harrison  had  some 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


83 


> 


' 


friendly   Indians,   of  the  Wyandot,  Shawneese,  Seneca  and 
Delaware  tribes,  under  their  chiefs,  as  before  named. 

The  prisoners  being  disposed  of,  the  wounded  and  sick  cared 
for,  every  exertion  was  now  made  to  put  the  available  vessels 
of  both  squadrons  in  proper  condition,  and  make  the  necessary 
arrangements  for  transporting  Harrison's  army,  then  encamped 
at  Portage  River  and  Fort  Meigs,  to  the  Canada  shore.  The 
vessels  were  "Niagara,"  "Caledonia,"  "Sotn^rs,"  "Ohio," 
"Trippe,"  "Scorpion,"  "Ariel,"  "Tigress,"  and  "Porcupine," 
of  the  American,  and  "  Hunter,"  "  Lady  Provost,"  "  Little 
Belt,"  and  "  Chippewa,"  of  the  late  British  squndron.  Perry 
made  the  "Ariel "  the  flagship,  and  sailed  with  her  on  the 
morning  of  the  19th  for  Camp  Portage,  in  advance  of  the 
squadron,  to  counsel  with  General  Harrison.  It  having  been 
arranged  to  transport  the  army  to  Put-in-Bay  first,  the  embark- 
ation commenced  on  the  20th  and  by  the  24th  the  army  of 
4,500  men  were  all  landed  at  Put-in-Bay,  the  horses  to  be  left 
at  Camp  Portage,  except  the  regiment  of  Col.  R.  M.  Johnson, 
which  was  to  go  round  the  head  of  the  Lake  to  Detroit  and 
join  the  army  there,  provided  the  place  could  be  re-captured. 
Harrison  and  staff  took  passage  in  the  "Ariel." 

On  the  passage  of  the  "Ariel "  to  Put-in-Bay,  a  little  incident 
occurred  which  goes  to  confirm  the  saying,  viz :  "A  kind  and 
brave  heart  are  apt  to  occupy  the  same  breast."  On  board 
were  a  company  of  young  Virginians,  one  of  their  number, 
who  was  but  just  recovering  from  a  fever,  approached  Maj. 
Chambers,  with  whom  he  was  acquainted,  and  who  was  then 
conversing  with  Lieut.  Packet,  commander  of  the  "Ariel,"  and 
asked  him  in  a  mild  and  courteous  manner  "  if  it  could  be 


^-MttttttlLi  itfr  liH  JMI-m' 


84 


HISTORY    OF    THE    BATTLE    OF   LAKE    ERIE. 


possible  to  obtain  a  cup  of  coffee  from  the  cabin  ;  that'the  cold, 
coarse  food  they  were  confined  to  in  accordance  with  army 
regulations,  he  could  not  eat."  The  Major,  being  but  slightly 
acquainted  with  Perry,  asked  Lieut.  Packet,  who  hesitated,  as 
there  was  such  a  crowd  of  officers  on  board,  and  the  matter 
was  apparently  dropped.  Perry  happened  to  be  seated  near 
by  and  overheard  the  conversation,  and  without  saying  a  word 
to  either  party,  quietly  ordered  the  steward  to  prepare  supper 
for  the  whole  squad,  and  in  a  short  time  they  were  all  seated 
as  best  they  could  in  the  small  cabin,  enjoying  a  warm  meal^ 
with  Perry  by  their  side  attending  to  their  wants. 

The  next  move  concluded  upon  was  to  transport  the  army 
to  an  island  called  "  Middle  Sister,"  about  twenty-five  miles 
from  the  Canada  shore,  and  where  they  were  all  safely  landed 
by  the  26th.  Arrangements  for  transportation  and  debarkation 
being  complete,  on  the  morning  of  the  27th,  the  weather  being 
favorable,  the  army  was  again  embarked  on  the  vessels  and  in 
boats,  the  vessels  taking  the  boats  in  tow,  and  by  two  P.  M. 
arrived  at  the  point  of  destination,  when  the  vessels  were 
moored,  with  springs  upon  their  cables,  one-fourth  of  a  mile 
from  the  shore,  to  cover  the  landing  of  the  troops.  The  troops 
were  successfully  landed ;  not  finding  any  of  the  enemy  in  the 
neighborhood  took  up  their  line  of  march  fur  Maiden.  They 
soon  heard  General  Proctor  had  evacuated  that  post,  and  was 
in  rapid  retreat  up  the  Canadian  side  of  the  Detroit  River, 
leaving  only  a  rear  guard  to  destroy  the  barracks,  navy  yard, 
and  stores.  The  squadron  immediately  moved  round  into  the 
river,  and  followed  the  army  as  they  advanced.  On  the  29th 
they  reached  Sandwich,  when  some  vessels  were  dispatched 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE   OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


85 


I 


with  McArthur's  brigade  to  take  possession  of  Detroit.  Colonel 
Johnson  having  joined  the  army,  the  movement  was  rapid  in 
pursuit  of  the  enemy.  Perry  having  dispatched  several  of  the 
small  vessels  to  transport  stores  and  assist  with  their  arma- 
ment if  necessary,  and  himself  volunteered  as  aid  to  Harrison. 
Then  followed  the  battle  of  the  Thames,  and  the  defeat  of 
Proctor  and  deatti  of  Tecumseh.      Harrison  and  Perrv  now 

a/ 

returned  to  Detroit  and  issued  a  joint  proclamation,  dated 
Sandwich,  October  17th,  1813,  saying  to  the  people  of  Upper 
Canada,  that  "  all  ar  med  resistance  having  ceased,  and  the 
country  in  the  quiet  possession  of  the  Americans,  thiit  the  laws 
and  customs  that  existed  previous  to  the  conquest  were  hereby 
declared  in  force,  and  the  inhabitants  guaranteed  protection  in 
person  and  property  so  long  as  the  district  remained  in  possess- 
ion of  the  United  States."  Harrison  also  issued  a  proclamation, 
dated  Detroit,  September  29th,  1813,  to  the  inhabitants  of  Michi- 
gan, establishing  the  laws  in  force  previous  to  the  surrender  of 
Hull,  and  replacing  the  officers.  After  the  defeat  of  Barclay  and 
Proctor,  and  the  death  of  Tecumseh,  the  Indians  with  the 
British  army  felt  quite  humble  and  disposed  for  peace. 


CHAPTER    XVIII. 


/\0L.  LEWIS  CASS  was  now  installed  civil  and  military 
^^ governor  of  Michigan,  with  his  brigade,  one  thousand 
strong,  as  also  to  hold  that  portion  of  Canada  just  captured. 


-— ?s-:r- 


86 


HISTORY   OF   THE   BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


The  volunteers  under  Governor  Shelby,  and  such  portions  of 
the  militia  as  were  not  needed,  were  now  disbanded. 

A  portion  of  the  squadron  were  now  prepared  to  transport 
the  remainder  of  the  army  to  the  lower  end  of  the  lake,  to 
assist  in  the  operations  on  the  Niagara  frontier,  and  were  em- 
barked as  soon  as  possible.  The  "  Ohio,"  "  Somers,"  "  Scorpion," 
"  Tigress,"  and  "  Porcupine  "  were  left  under  the  supervision  of 
Colonel  Lewis  Cass  to  transport  prisoners  to  Gamp  Portage, 
and  supplies  from  Cleveland. 

A  letter  awaited  the  gallant  Perry,  at  Detroit,  from  the  Sec- 
retary of  the  Navy,  couched  in  flattering  terms,  announcing  to 
him  his  promotion  to  the  rank  of  Post  Gaptain,  and  granting 
him  leave  of  absence  to  visit  his  family  in  Rhode  Island. 
Nothing  now  to  detain  him,  Perry  took  Harrison  and  staff  on 
board  the  ''  Ariel  "  and  sailed.  On  his  way  down,  called  at 
Put-in-Eay  and  found  Barclay  much  improved,  and  able  to  be 
moved.  Perry  now  informed  Barclay  of  his  success  in  obtain- 
ing a  parole  for  him  to  return  home.  The  wounded  Commo- 
dore, with  his  attending  surgeon,  was  then  taken  on  board  the 
"  Ariel,"  when  she  sailed  for  Erie,  the  rest  of  the  squadron 
having  proceeded  on  their  trip  ;  however,  the  "  Ariel  "  being  a 
fast  sailor,  arrived  at  Erie  some  hours  in  advance  of  the  squad- 
ron. As  she  made  her  appearance  off  the  point  of  the  penin- 
sula the  citizens  assembled  on  the  bank  of  the  bay,  when  a 
salute  was  fired,  as  it  was  presumed  the  Commodore  was  on 
board.  Perry  and  Harrison  were  received  with  great  enthusi- 
asm on  landing,  and  Perry,  with  Colonel  Gaines,  assisted  the 
invalid  Barclay  up  the  hill  to  the  shore  quarters  of  Perry.  In 
the  evening  the  village  of  Erie  was  in  a  blaze  of  rejoicing,  though 


I 


im 


l«H>-OIM».  "•      *■ 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


87 


T 


Perry  requested  to  have  no  demonstrations  made  near  his 
quarters,  to  annoy  his  unfortunate  guest,  which  was  strictly 
observed,  and  which  grateful  attention  Barclay  duly  appreci- 
ated. Here  the  intrepid  Perry  had  built  and  equipped  his 
vessels,  and  now  he  had  relnrned  for  the  first  time  after  sailing 
mith  the  laurels  upon  his  hrou\  His  ambition  had  been  satisfied 
— he  had  "  met  the  enemy  and  made  them  his.'' 


CHAPTER    XIX. 


WFTER  making  a  hasty  visit  to  view  the  shattered  remains 
of  his  gallant  old  "  flagship  "  in  Misery  Bay,  and  memory 
taking  him  back  to  the  stirring  scenes  of  the  10th — the  still 
blood-stained  deck  of  his  shattered  ship,  a.:  1  he,  himself,  es- 
caping unscathed  amid  the  storm  and  destruction,  he  raised 
his  hands  and  gave  thanks  to  the  Preserver  of  all  things.  They 
sailed  for  Buffalo  the  next  day,  Perry  bidding  a  final  adieu  to 
Erie,  as  he  never  returned.  On  the  24th  the  squadron  arrived 
safe  at  Buffalo,  where  the  troops  were  landed.  Perry  now,  in 
an  official  letter,  turned  over  the  command  on  the  Upper  Lakes 
to  Elliot,  and  then  pursued  his  journey  east,  amid  a  blaze  of 
rejoicing,  to  his  home  in  Rhode  Island. 

The  prizes  "  Detroit "  and  "  Queen  Charlotte  "  being  badly 
cut  up,  it  was  deemed  inexpedient  to  try  and  remove  them  to 


<iA 


'*>-     "     r^%>. 


^, 


^W- 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


y 


A 


O 


/. 


,<" 


* 


V, 


t 


LO 


i.l 


25 


h,: 


Jf  la  iiM 


■Ir' 


IM 


!l.6 


-»»■ 


m 


0% 


Vi 


-/;#^ 


r  ^ 


c^: 


c*l 


r 


^A 


% 


o\  ;;> 


^. 


% 


% 


V// 


Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


wV 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14S80 

:716)  872-4503 


"% 


s^^ 


«^  \M 


t 


'"fe^ 


%^\  "^^ 


I 


L<? 


^         //     ^&^ 


SB 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF   LAKE    ERIE. 


Erie,  as  the  season  of  navigation  was  far  advanced,  and  storms 
prevalent,  consequently  preparations  were  made  to  winter  them 
at  Put-in-Bay,  with  a  force  to  protect  them  from  marauding 
parties  from  the  Canada  shore,  when  the  ice  would  make. 
Mr.  Ghamplin,  in  command  of  the  "  Tigress,"  was  sent  to  Put- 
in-Bay to  assume  command,  and  where  he  arrived  on  the  25th 
of  December.  He  immediately  made  the  necessary  arrange- 
ments for  defense.  Col.  Cass  having  sent  200  soldiers  from 
Detroit  to  assist.  Lieut.  John  Packet  was  sent  up  late  in  the 
winter,  and  superseded  Champlin  in  command. 

The  season  of  storms  being  at  hand,  Elliot  ordered  a  portion 
of  the  squadron  to  Erie,  the  balance  to  remain  at  the  lower 
end  of  the  lake.  The  "Ariel "  and  "  Chippewa  "  parted  their 
cables  and  went  ashore  at  Buffalo,  where  they  went  to 
pieces.  The  '*  Trippe "  and  "  Little  Belt "  were  sent  to 
Black  Rock  to  winter,  and  were  burnt  by  the  British 
when  they  invaded  Black  Rock  and  Buffalo  that  winter. 
As  soon  as  the  "  Ohio "  and  "  Somers "  had  completed 
their  work  under  Col.  Cass  the  "  Somers  "  and  others  went 
into  winter  quarters  at  Put-in-Bay,  and  the  "  Ohio  "  returned 
to  Erie,  where  she  arrived  late  in  December.  The  ves?els  at 
Erie  were  all  moored  in  Misery  Bay,  and  preparations  made 
for  defense,  as  it  was  reported  the  British,  exasperated  at  their 
late  defeats,  were  determined  to  cross  as  soon  as  the  ice  made 
and  destroy  the  shipping  and  village.  However,  they  never 
made  the  attempt,  and  if  they  had,  would  have  found  Elliot 
with  the  vessels  and  Gen.  Mead  on  land  with  4,000  troops, 
ready  to  receive  them. 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


89 


CHAPTER    XX. 


MUCH  has  been  said  by  some  authors  about  anarchy  and 
insubordination  existing  at  the  Erie  station  during  the 
winter  of  1813-14.  This  is  erroneous.  There  was  some 
little  clashing  between  the  Perry  and  Elliot  adherents,  but  not 
in  the  slightest  degree  interfering  with  subordination. 

As  the  spring  opened,  things  were  more  quiet ;  the  danger 
of  the  enemy  crossing  upon  the  ice  having  now  passed  away. 
Elliot,  in  order  to  obtain  information  of  the  enemy's  move- 
ments upon  the  Canada  shore,  as  soon  as  the  ice  in  the  lake 
would  permit,  ordered  the  "  Ohio,"  under  the  command  of  Mr. 
Dobbins,  to  cruise  between  Long  Point  and  Erie,  to  intercept 
their  supplies  moving  west  by  water.  In  the  discharge  of  this 
duty  Mr.  Dobbins  frequently  landed  spies  upon  the  Canada 
shore,  and  arranged  to  take  them  off  at  certain  times.  The 
adventures  of  one  of  these  spies  were  truly  marvelous.  The 
name  is  not  at  hand,  but  think  it  was  Prentice.  He  had  lived 
In  Canada  and  claimed  that  he  had  been  opiwessed,  for  which 
he  was  seeking  revenge.  His  object  was,  if  possible,  to  capture 
the  mails,  and  thereby  obtain  valuable  information.  He  never 
succeeded  in  getting  a  mail  which  was  brought  to  Erie,  though 
he  frequently  made  captures  which  he  took  through  the  lines 
to  our  forces  near  Fort  Erie. 

Early  in  April  Elliot  received  letters  from  General  Harrison 
and  Commodore  Chauncey,  stating  that  Mackinaw  was  short 
of  provisions,  and  quite  defenseless.  Chauncey  then  ordered 
Elliot  to  fit  out  the  squadron  and  endeavor  to  recapture  it. 


90 


HISTORY  OF  TH2  BATTLE  OF  LAKE  ERIE. 


At  last  the  Navy  Department  had  resolved  to  make  a  separate 
command  of  the  Upper  Lakes.  The  change  was  judicious, 
though  it  should  have  been  made  a  year  before. 

"Navy  Department,  April  15th,  1814. 

"  Sir  : — The  arduous  duties  and  great  increase  of  force  on 
Lake  Ontario,  together  with  the  interruption  of  intercourse 
between  the  commander-in-chief  on  that  lake  and  the  com- 
mander of  the  squadron  on  Lake  Erie,  has  rendered  it  expe- 
dient to  place  the  latter  under  a  separate  command.  Captain 
Arthur  Sinclair  is,  therefore,  appointed  to  the  command  of  the 
squadron  on  Lake  Erie,  to  whom  you  will  communicate  all  the 
information  you  possess,  and  the  arrangements  you  have  made 
for  the  future  operations  of  the  squadron.  You  will  then,  sir, 
agreeable  to  your  wish  expressed  in  your  letter  to  Commodore 
Chauncey,  of  the  19th  December  last,  proceed  to  Sackett's 
Harbor  and  report  yourself  to  him. 

"  I  am,  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

"WM.  JONES. 
"  /.  D.  Elliot^  Esq.^  Commanding   U.  8.  Squadron,  Lake  Erie.'"^ 

Captain  Sinclair  arrived  on  then  25th  inst.,  when  Elliot,  after 
turning  over  the  command,  as  instructed,  proceeded  to  Lake 
Ontario. 

Sinclair  w^as  a  thorough  seaman  and  mertorious  officer.  He 
at  once  commenced  to  prepare  the  squadron  for  the  before- 
named  expedition  against  Mackinaw,  though  he  found  it  tedious, 
as  the  vessels  were  much  damaged  and  required  extensive 
repairs,  particularly  the  "  Lawrence,"  she  being  a  complete 
wreck.  However,  he  managed  to  make  her  quite  seaworthy, 
but  he  made  the  "  Niagara,"  the  flagship.  Captain  Daniel  S. 
Dexter  taking  command  of  the  "Lawrence."  "^  " 

Mr.  Dobbins  was  now  relieved  from  cruising  duty,  and  or- 
dered to  proceed  with  the  "  Ohio,"  and  stores,  to  Put-in-Bay, 


' 


f 


\ii>  ,j 


^ 


,].._ 


n 


! 


1 


W 


h^f 


HISTORY    OF   THE   BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


91 


and  assit  in  fitting  out  the  prizes  "  Detroit "  and  "  Queen  Char- 
lotl.e,"  and  navigate  them  to  Erie.  They  arrived  about  tlie  1st 
of  May,  and  after  some  time  were  taken  over  the  bar  and 
moored  in  Misery  Bay.  The  temporary  post  at  Put-in-Bay  \n  as 
then  broken  up  and  the  troops  removed  to  Detroit. 


CHAPTER    XXI. 


LV/FTER  much  difficulty  the  squadron  sailed  on  the  Mack- 
-^j-inaw  expedition  on  the  25th  of  June,  and  reachefl  Detroit 
on  the  4th  of  July,  where  they  took  on  board  six  hundred 
troops,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Croghen.  When  on 
their  passage  up  they  encountered  much  difficulty  in  crossing 
the  St.  Clair  flats,  in  consequence  of  shoal  water.  On  reaching 
Fort  Gratiot  they  took  on  board  five  hundred  additional  troops, 
under  Colonel  Cotgreave  and  Captain  Gratiot,  an  engineer  offi- 
cer. After  visiting  several  posts  on  the  Canadian  side,  and 
finding  them  abandoned,  they  sailed  for  Mackinaw,  where  they 
arrived  about  the  25th  of  July.  Finding  the  post  well  fortified, 
\v^ith  plenty  of  troops  and  a  horde  of  Indians,  they  made  an 
attempt  to  take  it  by  landing  upon  the  east  side  of  the  island. 
After  a  severe  brush,  in  which  the  gallant  Major  Holmes  was 
killed,  they  retreated  to  the  vessels  and  abandoned  the  expe- 
dition. The  sruadron  then  sailed  for  the  lower  end  of  the 
lake.  At  Nautawassaga,  a  block  house  was  destroyed,  and 
caused  the  enemy  to  burn  the  schooner  "  Nancy."  laden  with 


92 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OP    LAKE    ERIE. 


stores  and  ammunition  for  Mackinaw.  Lieutenant  Worseley, 
Royal  Navy,  commanded  at  this  post,  who  retreated  to  the  in- 
terior with  his  forces.  The  squadron  now  sailei  on  their 
return,  leaving  the  schooners  "  Scorpion  "  and  "  Tigress,"  Lieu- 
tenant Turner  and  Sailing  Master  Ghamplin  in  command,  to 
cruise  and  watch,  for  the  present,  the  movements  of  the  enemy. 
Unfortunately,  they  were  both  surprised  and  captured  at  anchor 
one  night,  by  a  heavy  body  of  troops  and  Indians  in  boats. 
In  this  unfortunate  encounter  the  gallant  young  Ghamplin  was 
severly  wounded. 

The  squadron  proceeded  on  down  to  Buffalo,  conveying  a 
portion  of  the  troops  thither.  The  "  Lawrence,"  however, 
being  in  bad  condition,  having  nearly  foundered  in  a  blow  on 
Lake  Huron,  was  left  at  Erie,  and  went  into  ordinary.  The 
schooners  "  Somers,"  Lieutenant  Gonklin,  and  "  Ohio,"  Sailing 
Master  Golwell,  were  left  at  the  lower  end  of  the  lake,  while 
the  rest  of  the  squadron  returned  to  Erie.  Shortly  after  the 
departure  of  the  squadron,  a  party  of  the  enemy  came  down 
along  the  Ganada  shore  in  the  night  in  boats  and  captured  both 
these  schooners  while  laying  at  anchor  at  Fort  Erie,  thus  mak- 
ing four  schooners  the  British  had  captured  since  the  victory 
of  the  10th  of  September. 

Much  has  been  said  and  sung  in  regard  to  the  execution  of 
Sergeant  James  Bird.  The  truth  is  something  like  this  :  The 
writer  having  heard  frequent  conversations  between  the  offi- 
cers in  regard  to  this  affair,  as  also  has  heard  his  father,  who 
was  an  officer  attached  to  the  squadron,  relate  the  same.  Bird 
came  to  Erie  with  a  brigade  of  volunteers  from  the  intarior  of 
the  state,  was  detailed  with  a  squad  of  men  to  guard  stores  in 


HISTORY  OF  THE  BATTLE  OF  LAKE  ERIE. 


93 


a  small  block  house  at  the  Cascade,  where  the  large  vessels 
were  built.  Though  in  command,  he  sanctioned  the  pilfering 
of  the  stores  he  was  sent  to  protect ;  and  when  information 
was  given  to  the  military  commander  he,  with  his  party,  made 
mutinous  demonstrations,  but  soon  were  conquered.  Lieut. 
Brooks,  of  the  marines,  was  recruiting  for  the  squadron,  and 
Bird  being  a  man  of  pluck.  Brooks  wished  to  secure  him. 
Bird,  with  others,  were  told  that  "the  offense  would  be  over- 
looked, provided  they  would  enlist  as  marines/'  which  they 
did.  Bird  served  gallantly  on  board  the  "Lawrence"  during 
the  action,  and  was  wounded.  At  the  time  the  squadron  was 
preparing  for  the  Mackinaw  expedition.  Bird  was  placed  with 
a  file  of  marines  to  guard  the  Government  store,  and  from 
where  he  deserted,  taking  John  Rankin,  one  of  the  guard* 
with  him.  A  youngster  belonging  to  Erie  was  on  his  way  to 
school  at  Washington,  Penn'a,  on  horseback,  having  spent  his 
vacation  at  home,  and  passed  the  two  men  at  a  tavern  near 
Butler  Having  seen  the  men  while  on  duty  at  the  store,  he 
knew  them.  He  pushed  on  his  journey,  and  soon  met  Sailing 
Master  Golwell  with  a  draft  of  seamen  in  wagons,  destined  for 
Erie  to  join  the  squadron,  and  to  whom  the  youngster  gave 
the  information.  Colwell  sent  a  party  in  advance  in  disguise, 
captured,  and  brought  them  to  Erie.  They,  with  a  sailor 
named  John  Davis,  who  had  deserted  a  number  of  times,  and 
committed  other  offenses,  were  tried  by  court  martial  on  board 
the  '  Niagara,"  v/hile  on  the  passage  of  the  squadron  to  De- 
troit. They  were  all  three  condemned  to  death.  Efforts  were 
made  to  have  Bird's  sentence  commuted  to  imprisonment,  in 
consequence  of  his  gallantry  in  the  action  of  the  10th  of  Sep- 


94 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


tember,  but  without  success.  The  President  claimed  that  "he 
had  deserted  from  off  his  post  while  in  charge  of  a  guard,  in 
time  of  war,  therefore,  must  suffer  as  an  example  for  others." 
They  were  all  three  executed  on  board  the  "  Niagara  "  while 
at  anchor  in  the  roadstead  at  Erie,  in  October,  1814. 

The  enemy  having  nothing,  comparatively,  in  the  shape  of  a 
"flotilla," — in  fact  but  a  few  small  craft,  which  seldom  ven- 
tured beyond  their  harbors, — our  squadron  consequently  done 
but  little  cruising,  making  their  headquarters  at  Erie,  that,  in 
case  of  need,  it  was  known  where  they  were  to  be  found. 
The  season  of  storms  soon  came  round,  when  they  went  into 
winter  quarters  at  Erie,  late  in  November. 


CHAPTER    XXII. 


ON  THE  24th  of  December,    1814,   peace   was  declared 
betv/een  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain,  and  matters 
began  to  be  quieted  down.     In  July,  1815,  an  order  was  for- 
warded from  Washington  to  dispose  of  some  of  the  smaller 
vessels,   and  sink  the   "Detroit,"   "Queen   Charlotte,"    and 
"  Lawrence,"  in  some  suitable  place  in  the  harbor,  for  preser- 
vation.    Mr.  Dobbins  received  an  order  to  supervise  the  sink  - 
ing,  which  order  was  fully  complied  with,  and  the  three  sunk 
side  and  side  in  Misery  Bay.    The  "Niagara"   being  kept 
afloat  as  a  sort  of  receiving  ship. 
An  incident  occured  in  connection  with  the  sinking  which 


HISTORY    OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


96 


at  "he 

ird,  in 

hers." 

while 

pe  of  a 
ii  ven- 
y  done 
:hat,  in 
found. 
3nt  into 


declared 
matters 
vas  for- 
smaller 
and 


n 


preser- 
he  sink  - 
roe  sunk 
!ing  kept 


ig  which 


smacked  a  little  of  the  marvelous,  and  which  was  the  origin 
of  jokes  and  comments.  The  ''  Lawrence  "  was  moored  upon 
the  west  or  out  side  of  the  other  two,  and  notwithstanding  her 
supposed  safe  moorings,  shifted  her  berth,  though  against  a 
current,  round  athwart  the  sterns  of  the  other  vessels. 
She  was  again  brought  back  to  her  moorings,  but  shifted  back 
again^  though  additional  security  had  been  added.  It  was  said 
in  commenting,  that  she  was  determined  to  get  a  raking  posi- 
tion, etc. 

In  1820  an  order  was  received  from  Washington  reducing 
the  station.  In  1825  it  was  entirely  broken  up  and  the  prop- 
erty disposed  of  at  auction.  The  "  Lawrence,"  ''  Detroit," 
"Queen  Charlotte,"  and  " Niagara "  were  purchased  by  a  Mr. 
Brown,  of  Rochester,  and  subsequently  sold  to  Captain  George 
Miles,  of  Erie,  in  1836,  who  raised  the  three  vessels,  intending 
to  fit  them  up  for  the  merchant  service.  He  found  the  two 
prizes  in  tolerable  condition,  but  the  "  Lawrence  "  so  badly 
riddled  she  would  require  docking  and  a  thorough  repair. 
Besides,  she  was  too  shallow  in  the  hold  for  a  merchant  vessel 
of  her  size,  being  but  nine  feet — therefore  was  allowed  to  sink 
again  to  her  watery  grave,  and  there  she  should  ever  have 
rested — the  waters  of  the  lake  on  which  she  had  gained  her 
glorious  renown  surrounding  her  shattered  hull.  But  the 
cupidity  of  man  must  bring  her  to  the  surface  again,  to  be 
gazed  upon  by  unsympathizing  eyes,  her  splintered  timbers  cut 
up  into  fragments  for  relics,  and  her  identity  lost. 

What  remains  of  the  gallant  old  hulk  has  been  cut  into  pieces 
and  transported  via  railroad  to  Philadelphia,  where  it  has  been 
put  together  and  is  now  on  exhibition  at  the  Centennial  grounds. 


96 


HISTORY   OF   THE    BATTLE    OF    LAKE    ERIE. 


In  closing  this  little  historical  work  the  author  would  say  to 
his  readers  that  it  was  got  up  hastily  for  disposition  at  the 
Centennial,  where  all,  who,  in  taking  a  last  look  at  the  "  Law- 
rence," may  ohtain  a  history  of  her  glorious  career. 


f*^ 


TITLE  OF  THE  PARTIES  OWNING. 

Bill  of  sale  from  Benjamin  H.  Brown,  of  Rochester,  New 
York,  to  A.  Q.  D.  Leech,  (who  transferred  to  George  Miles)  of 
"Lawrence,"  "Niagara,"  "  Detroit,"  and  "Queen  Charlotte," 
said  bill  of  sale  being  made  to  George  Miles  separately,  bearing 
date  as  per  acknowledgment,  June  20th,  1835. 

(Signed,         ,      ,  ,,  '         B.  H.  BROWN. 

Acknowledgment  by  Geo.  Mumford,  Commissioner   Deeds. 

Letter  of  Colonel  Thomas  Forster,  Collector  of  Customs  for 
the  District  of  Presqu'  ile  (Erie),  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy, 
in  regard  to  any  claim  the  Government  might  have  to  said  ves- 
sels. The  inquiry  being  made  for  information  enabling  the 
Collector  to  grant  r)r«pers  to  the  brig  "  Queen  Charlotte,"  then 
to  be  fitted  out  fo.  the  merchant  service,  bearing  date  Aoril 
7th,  1835. 

(Signed)        -^  THOS.  FORSTER,  Collector. 

■  Also  answer  of  Mahlon  Dickinson,  Secretary  of  the  Navy, 
disclaiming  any  interest  of  the  Government  in  said  vessels, 
bearing  date  April  23d,  1835.^  r  it;  .^vfe^'i  ;:»-/' >. 

Also  transfer  of  all  right,  title  and  interest  of  George  Miles  in 
said  vessels  to  Leander  Dobbins,  bearing  date  December  9th, 
1857 

(Signed)  "  '  -  -    '  • '  GEO.  MILES. 

Also  transfer  of  hulk  of  "  Lawrence  "  to  Thomas  J.  Viers 
and  John  Dunlap,  bearing  date  September  10th,  1875. 

(Signed)  LEANDER   DOBBINS. 


V 


Id  say  to 
n  at  the 
e  "  Law- 


E?r,  New- 
Miles)  of 
arJotte," 
bearing 

)WN. 

Deeds. 
:oms  for 

e  Navy, 
aid  ves- 
ling  the 
e,"  then 
te  April 

ector. 

3  Navy, 
vessels, 


Miles  in 
3er  9th, 

LES. 

J.  Viers 

IINS. 


